Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

पूजयित्वा सरस्तत्र बलिं दद्यात्समन्ततः पुनर्दिनानि होतव्यं चत्वारि मुनिसत्तमाः //

Transliteration

pūjayitvā sarastatra baliṃ dadyātsamantataḥ punardināni hotavyaṃ catvāri munisattamāḥ //

Translation

Having worshipped that sacred lake, one should offer bali (ritual oblations) all around it on every side; and again, O best of sages, a homa is to be performed for four days.

Word by Word

• pūjayitvā: having worshipped

• saraḥ/tatra saras: the lake there

• baliṃ: bali offering/ritual oblation

• dadyāt: should give/offer

• samantataḥ: on all sides, all around

• punaḥ: again/further

• dināni: for (so many) days

• hotavyaṃ: should be offered into the fire/should perform homa

• catvāri: four

• munisattamāḥ: O best of sages (vocative plural).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Manu and/or the assembled sages, framed as Purāṇic teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Saras (sacred lake)
• Bali (ritual offering)
• Homa (fire-offering)
• Munis (sages)

Tags

• Ritual
• Tirtha
• Homa
• Bali
• Vrata

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it gives a practical tirtha-ritual instruction—worship of a sacred lake, circumferential bali offerings, and a four-day homa.

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

It reflects dharmic duty in the form of regulated worship: a householder (or king supporting rites) should honor sacred places with proper offerings (bali) and sustained homa over a fixed period, indicating discipline and ritual continuity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes perimeter offerings—bali “all around” the lake—followed by a four-day fire rite (homa), a common Purāṇic pattern for consecration, purification, or merit-making at a tirtha.