Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Rites for Consecrating and Celebrating Trees

Devanagari script

यथास्वं लोकपालानाम् इन्द्रादीनां विशेषतः वनस्पतेश्च विद्वद्भिर् होमः कार्यो द्विजातिभिः //

Transliteration

yathāsvaṃ lokapālānām indrādīnāṃ viśeṣataḥ vanaspateśca vidvadbhir homaḥ kāryo dvijātibhiḥ //

Translation

In due order, the learned twice-born should perform homa—offerings into the sacred fire—for the Lokapālas (Guardians of the Worlds), especially Indra and the other gods, and also for Vanaspati, lord of vegetation and trees.

Word by Word

• yathāsvaṃ: according to each one’s due share/appropriate rule

• lokapālānām: of the world-guardians (Lokapālas)

• indrādīnām: of Indra and the others

• viśeṣataḥ: especially, in particular

• vanaspateḥ (vanaspateś ca): of Vanaspati and also

• vidvadbhiḥ: by the learned/ritually competent

• homaḥ: fire-offering, oblation into the fire

• kāryaḥ: should be done, is to be performed

• dvijātibhiḥ: by the twice-born (Brahmin/Kshatriya/Vaishya)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokapālas
• Indra
• Vanaspati

Tags

• Homa
• Ritual Dharma
• Lokapālas
• Indra
• Vedic fire offering

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on maintaining cosmic order through prescribed homa offerings to world-guardians like Indra and to Vanaspati, reflecting a dharmic way of sustaining harmony rather than describing dissolution.

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

It frames a core duty of dharmic life: qualified dvijas should perform fire-offerings to key cosmic administrators (Lokapālas, Indra) and to Vanaspati, implying that rulers and householders support social and ecological well-being through properly conducted yajña/homa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes correct allocation (“yathāsvaṃ”) and competent performance (“vidvadbhiḥ”) of homa to specific deities—principles that also underpin temple and Vastu-linked consecration rites where offerings are made in precise order to directional deities and cosmic powers.