Shloka 52
Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds
मन्त्रतस्तु विशेषः स्यात् प्रासादाद्यानभूमिषु अयं त्वशक्तावर्धेन विधिर्दृष्टः स्वयम्भुवा अल्पेष्वेकाग्निवत्कृत्वा वित्तशाठ्यादृते नृणाम् //
mantratastu viśeṣaḥ syāt prāsādādyānabhūmiṣu ayaṃ tvaśaktāvardhena vidhirdṛṣṭaḥ svayambhuvā alpeṣvekāgnivatkṛtvā vittaśāṭhyādṛte nṛṇām //
For sites intended for temples, palaces, and the like, the distinguishing factor is the mantra (that is, the rite becomes specific through the prescribed mantras). This procedure was laid down by Svayambhū (Brahmā) as an accommodation for those of limited capacity: when resources are small, one should perform it as in the “single-fire” rite, provided there is no deceit regarding one’s wealth.
FAQs
This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on Vastu/ritual procedure for construction sites, emphasizing mantra-specific rites and ethical conduct.
It instructs rulers and householders undertaking construction (temples, palaces, estates) to follow proper mantra-based rites, and—if resources are limited—to use an approved simplified procedure, provided they do not conceal wealth or act deceitfully.
It states that for prāsāda (temple) and related building grounds, the rite is defined by its mantras, and it permits a reduced ‘eka-agni’ style performance when means are small—explicitly disallowing cost-cutting through dishonest claims of poverty.