Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Ritual Bathing

Devanagari script

सुकालिनो बर्हिषदस् तथान्ये वाज्यपाः पुनः संतर्प्याः पितरो भक्त्या सतिलोदकचन्दनैः //

Transliteration

sukālino barhiṣadas tathānye vājyapāḥ punaḥ saṃtarpyāḥ pitaro bhaktyā satilodakacandanaiḥ //

Translation

The Pitṛs known as the Sukālina, the Barhiṣad, and the others—again, the Vājyapā—are to be duly satisfied with devotion by offerings of water mixed with sesame and by sandalwood paste.

Word by Word

• sukālinaḥ: the Pitṛs called Sukālina

• barhiṣadaḥ: the Barhiṣad Pitṛs (those associated with the sacrificial barhis/kuśa)

• tathā: and likewise

• anye: others

• vājyapāḥ: the Pitṛs called Vājyapā (receivers of sacrificial oblations/strengthening offerings)

• punaḥ: again/further

• saṃtarpyāḥ: should be satisfied/propitiated

• pitaraḥ: the ancestors (Pitṛs)

• bhaktyā: with devotion

• sa-tila-udaka: water together with sesame seeds

• candanaiḥ: with sandalwood (paste/fragrance).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Sukālina Pitṛs
• Barhiṣad Pitṛs
• Vājyapā Pitṛs
• tila (sesame)
• udaka (water)
• candana (sandalwood)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛ-tarpaṇa
• Ritual Dharma
• Householder duties
• Matsya Purana rites

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a ritual-dharma instruction specifying how to propitiate particular classes of Pitṛs through tarpaṇa offerings.

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

It outlines a core gṛhastha (householder) duty—honouring ancestors—by prescribing devotional tarpaṇa using tila-water and sandalwood, a practice also expected of kings as upholders of dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: tarpaṇa for named Pitṛ-groups using satilodaka (sesame-mixed water) and candana (sandalwood), indicating standard Śrāddha materials and the correct mode of ancestral satisfaction.