Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

विविक्तेषूपलिप्तेषु श्राद्धं देयं विजानता विप्रान्पूर्वे परे चाह्नि विनीतात्मा निमन्त्रयेत् //

Transliteration

vivikteṣūpalipteṣu śrāddhaṃ deyaṃ vijānatā viprānpūrve pare cāhni vinītātmā nimantrayet //

Translation

Knowing the proper procedure, one should offer the śrāddha in a secluded, freshly plastered (purified) place; and with a disciplined, humble mind, one should invite Brāhmaṇas either in the forenoon or in the afternoon.

Word by Word

• vivikteṣu: in secluded (places)

• upalipteṣu: in plastered/smeared (purified) places

• śrāddham: śrāddha, ancestral offering

• deyam: should be given/offered

• vijānatā: by one who knows (the rule)

• viprān: Brāhmaṇas

• pūrve: in the earlier (part of the day), forenoon

• pare: in the later (part of the day), afternoon

• ca: and

• ahni: on the day/at daytime

• vinīta-ātmā: one whose mind/self is disciplined and humble

• nimantrayet: should invite (formally request).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and ritual propriety)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇas (viprāḥ)
• Pitṛs (implied through śrāddha)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Ritual purity
• Brāhmaṇa invitation
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dharma in the form of correct śrāddha procedure—purity of place, proper timing, and respectful conduct.

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

It presents a gṛhastha-duty: performing ancestral rites with cleanliness, correct timing, and humility, especially by properly inviting qualified Brāhmaṇas—an ethical-ritual obligation upheld in Purāṇic dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it mandates a vivikta (secluded) and upalipta (freshly plastered/purified) space for śrāddha, highlighting controlled sacred space preparation rather than temple architecture proper.