Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

वैशाख्यामुपरागेषु तथोत्सवमहालये तीर्थायतनगोष्ठेषु दीपोद्यानगृहेषु च //

Transliteration

vaiśākhyāmuparāgeṣu tathotsavamahālaye tīrthāyatanagoṣṭheṣu dīpodyānagṛheṣu ca //

Translation

Likewise in the month of Vaiśākha, during eclipses, at festival-times and in great temples, in assemblies held at sacred fords (tīrthas) and sanctuaries, and also in lamp-offerings, pleasure-gardens, and homes—(these observances are to be performed).

Word by Word

vaiśākhyāmin (the month of) Vaiśākha

uparāgeṣuat eclipses (solar/lunar)

tathālikewise/also

utsavafestival

mahālayein a great temple/major shrine

tīrthasacred ford/pilgrimage place

āyatanasanctuary/temple seat

goṣṭheṣuin gatherings/assemblies

dīpalamp (offering/lighting)

udyānagarden/park

gṛheṣuin houses/homes

caand.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

VaiśākhaUparāga (eclipse)TīrthaĀyatana (temple/sanctuary)Mahālaya (great temple)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it lists auspicious times and venues (Vaiśākha, eclipses, festivals, temples, tīrthas, homes) for performing religious observances such as worship and lamp-offerings.

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

It frames dharmic duty as time-and-place sensitive: a king supports public festivals, tīrthas, and major temples, while householders maintain worship at home—especially during sacred months and eclipses when merit is traditionally emphasized.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights mahālaya (major temples), tīrtha-āyatana (pilgrimage shrines), and dīpa (lamp offerings). Architecturally, it implies the centrality of temples, assembly spaces (goṣṭha), gardens (udyāna), and domestic shrines as sanctioned settings for public and private worship.