Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Rites for Consecrating and Celebrating Trees

Devanagari script

ततो ऽभिषेकमन्त्रेण वाद्यमङ्गलगीतकैः ऋग्यजुःसाममन्त्रैश्च वारुणैरभितस्तथा तैरेव कुम्भैः स्नपनं कुर्याद्ब्राह्मणपुंगवः //

Transliteration

tato 'bhiṣekamantreṇa vādyamaṅgalagītakaiḥ ṛgyajuḥsāmamantraiśca vāruṇairabhitastathā taireva kumbhaiḥ snapanaṃ kuryādbrāhmaṇapuṃgavaḥ //

Translation

Then, with the consecration (abhiṣeka) mantra—amid instrumental music and auspicious songs—and with Ṛg, Yajus, and Sāma Vedic mantras, as well as Varuṇa-related water formulas recited all around, the foremost of Brahmins should perform the ceremonial bathing (snapana) using those very water-pots (kumbhas).

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• abhiṣeka-mantreṇa: by/with the consecration mantra

• vādya: musical instruments

• maṅgala-gītakaiḥ: with auspicious songs/benedictory chants

• ṛg-yajuḥ-sāma-mantraiḥ: with mantras of the Ṛgveda, Yajurveda, and Sāmaveda

• ca: and

• vāruṇaiḥ: with Varuṇa-related (water/ritual) formulas

• abhitastathā: likewise from all sides/around

• taiḥ eva: by those very (same)

• kumbhaiḥ: with water-pots/ritual jars

• snapanaṃ: ritual bathing/aspersive bath

• kuryāt: should perform

• brāhmaṇa-puṃgavaḥ: the bull among Brahmins/the foremost Brahmin (chief officiant).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, mediated in Purāṇic narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa
• Ṛgveda
• Yajurveda
• Sāmaveda
• Brāhmaṇa (officiant)

Tags

• Abhiṣeka
• Snapana
• Vedic Mantras
• Ritual Procedure
• Consecration

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it focuses on orderly ritual consecration, emphasizing sacred water (Varuṇa) and Vedic sound as stabilizing, dharmic forces in religious life.

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

Abhiṣeka is central to royal legitimacy and major household/temple rites; the verse implies that such ceremonies should be conducted under a qualified Brahmin, using Vedic recitation, auspicious music, and properly prepared water-pots.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes snapana/abhiṣeka using kumbhas, accompanied by Vedic and Varuṇa (water) mantras and auspicious music—key elements in temple consecration and icon-installation contexts often discussed alongside Matsya Purana ritual and vastu traditions.