Shloka 39

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

रोचनां च ससिद्धार्थां गन्धं गुग्गुलमेव च स्नपनं तस्य कर्तव्यं पञ्चगव्यसमन्वितम् //

Transliteration

rocanāṃ ca sasiddhārthāṃ gandhaṃ guggulameva ca snapanaṃ tasya kartavyaṃ pañcagavyasamanvitam //

Translation

One should perform the ceremonial bathing (snapana) for that deity/image, using rocanā, mustard-seed (siddhārtha), fragrant substances, and guggulu, together with the pañcagavya.

Word by Word

• rocanām: rocanā (a sacred yellow pigment, often identified with gorocanā)

• ca: and

• sa-siddhārthām: along with siddhārtha (mustard seed)

• gandham: fragrance/perfumed substances

• guggulum eva: guggulu resin indeed/also

• ca: and

• snapanaṃ: ritual bathing/ablution

• tasya: of that (deity/image/subject under rite)

• kartavyam: should be done/ought to be performed

• pañcagavya-samanvitam: accompanied by pañcagavya (the five products of the cow).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the standard Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Pañcagavya
• Guggulu
• Rocanā (Gorocanā)
• Siddhārtha (mustard seed)

Tags

• Ritual
• Snapana
• Consecration
• Iconography
• Purification

FAQs

What does this verse reveal about the creation or dissolution (Pralaya)?

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on ritual purification—specifically the snapana (ablution) of a deity/image using sanctifying substances like pañcagavya, fragrances, and guggulu.

How does this verse relate to the duties of a King or Householder?

It reflects the dharmic duty of supporting proper worship and consecration rites—kings and householders are expected to maintain temples/rituals and ensure purity in devotional practices through prescribed materials like pañcagavya.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies standard consecration/maintenance materials for snapana of a deity image; such prescriptions are central to temple worship protocols that accompany installation and ongoing sacred care of icons.