Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Rites for Consecrating and Celebrating Trees

Devanagari script

यद्यदिष्टतमं किंचित् तत्तद् दद्यादमत्सरी आचार्ये द्विगुणं दद्यात् प्रणिपत्य विसर्जयेत् //

Transliteration

yadyadiṣṭatamaṃ kiṃcit tattad dadyādamatsarī ācārye dviguṇaṃ dadyāt praṇipatya visarjayet //

Translation

Whatever one cherishes most, even if it is only a little, the person free from envy should give that very thing. To one’s teacher (ācārya) one should give twice as much, and after bowing in reverence, take leave respectfully.

Word by Word

• yad-yad: whatever, whichever

• iṣṭatamam: most dear, most desired

• kiṃcit: something, even a little

• tat-tat: that very (thing)

• dadyāt: should give

• amatsarī: free from envy/jealousy

• ācārye: to the teacher, preceptor

• dviguṇam: twice (as much)

• dadyāt: should give

• praṇipatya: having bowed down, having prostrated

• visarjayet: should dismiss/take leave/withdraw respectfully

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the didactic flow of the Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Acharya

Tags

• Dharma
• Dana
• Acharya
• Householder duties
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it teaches dana-dharma—how giving should be done without envy, emphasizing inner purity over cosmological themes.

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

It frames charity as a disciplined duty: give sincerely (even what one values most), remain free of jealousy, honor the teacher with greater generosity, and maintain humility—principles applicable to both royal patronage and household giving.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-construction rule is stated; the ritual etiquette implied is respectful conduct toward the ācārya—offering, bowing, and departing properly as part of dharmic practice.