Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Rite of Donating the ‘Mountain of Jaggery’

Devanagari script

प्रणवः सर्वमन्त्राणां नारीणां पार्वती यथा तथा रसानां प्रवरः सदैवेक्षुरसो मतः //

Transliteration

praṇavaḥ sarvamantrāṇāṃ nārīṇāṃ pārvatī yathā tathā rasānāṃ pravaraḥ sadaivekṣuraso mataḥ //

Translation

Just as the Pranava (Om) is foremost among all mantras, and Pārvatī is foremost among women, so too—among all tastes and essences—the sugarcane juice is always regarded as the best.

Word by Word

• प्रणवः: the Pranava (Oṁ)

• सर्वमन्त्राणाम्: among all mantras

• नारीणाम्: among women

• पार्वती: Goddess Pārvatī

• यथा: just as

• तथा: so also

• रसानाम्: among rasas (tastes/juices/essences)

• प्रवरः: the foremost, excellent

• सदैव: always

• इक्षुरसः: sugarcane juice

• मतः: is considered/held to be

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a didactic, comparative style)

Entities Mentioned

• Pranava (Om)
• Parvati

Tags

• Mantra
• Pranava
• Rasa
• Ritual offerings
• Comparative hierarchy

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it teaches a hierarchy of sacred excellence (Om among mantras), a common Purāṇic method used in broader instruction that can frame rituals performed in any cosmic phase.

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

It guides a householder or king to prioritize the highest sacred supports in worship—beginning with Pranava (Om) and selecting esteemed offerings—reflecting disciplined, orthodox ritual practice encouraged throughout the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates Pranava as the premier mantra and highlights ikṣu-rasa (sugarcane juice) as a superior ‘rasa’ for offerings; such hierarchies inform temple and domestic worship protocols that often accompany Vastu-oriented consecrations.