Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Ritual Bathing

Devanagari script

पित्रादीन्नामगोत्रेण तथा मातामहानपि संतर्प्य विधिना भक्त्या इमं मन्त्रमुदीरयेत् //

Transliteration

pitrādīnnāmagotreṇa tathā mātāmahānapi saṃtarpya vidhinā bhaktyā imaṃ mantramudīrayet //

Translation

Having duly offered tarpaṇa with devotion—addressing the fathers and other ancestors by their names and lineage (gotra), and likewise the maternal grandfathers—one should then recite this mantra according to the prescribed rite.

Word by Word

• pitr-ādīn: the fathers and other ancestors

• nāma-gotreṇa: by (stating) name and gotra/lineage

• tathā: likewise

• mātāmahān api: even the maternal grandfathers (maternal ancestors)

• saṃtarpya: having satisfied/offered libations (tarpaṇa)

• vidhinā: according to rule/ordinance

• bhaktyā: with devotion

• imam: this

• mantram: mantra

• udīrayet: should utter/recite.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu the ritual procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs (ancestors)
• Mātāmaha (maternal grandfather)
• Gotra (lineage)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Tarpaṇa
• Pitṛ-dharma
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Mantra-vidhi

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on ritual dharma—specifically the correct method of satisfying ancestors through tarpaṇa and mantra recitation.

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

It presents a core gṛhastha (householder) duty: honoring both paternal and maternal ancestors through prescribed tarpaṇa, explicitly naming them with gotra, and reciting the proper mantra with devotion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual-procedural: tarpaṇa must be performed ‘vidhinā’ (as prescribed) and with correct identification (name and gotra) before the mantra is recited.