Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

भोजयेत्सुसमृद्धो ऽपि न प्रसज्जते विस्तरे विश्वान्देवान्यवैः पुष्पैर् अभ्यर्च्यासनपूर्वकम् //

Transliteration

bhojayetsusamṛddho 'pi na prasajjate vistare viśvāndevānyavaiḥ puṣpair abhyarcyāsanapūrvakam //

Translation

Even if one is very prosperous, one should not become attached to extravagant display. Having first offered a seat (āsana), one should worship all the gods with barley-grains (yava) and flowers.

Word by Word

• bhojayet: should feed/entertain (as a duty)

• su-samṛddhaḥ api: even if very wealthy

• na prasajjate: should not cling/become attached (to excess)

• vistare: to lavish expansion/extravagance

• viśvān devān: all the gods

• yavaiḥ: with barley grains

• puṣpaiḥ: with flowers

• abhyarcya: having duly worshipped

• āsana-pūrvakam: preceded by offering a seat (with proper reception)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• All Devas

Tags

• Dharma
• Householder
• Deva-puja
• Ritual
• Moderation

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on dharmic conduct—moderation and the proper method of worship.

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

It teaches that even the affluent (including rulers and householders) should avoid ostentation and follow disciplined ritual etiquette—honoring first with a seat and then performing worship with simple, pure offerings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes āsana-pūrvakam—offering a seat as a formal act of reception before worship—along with standard pūjā materials (yava and flowers) as simple, sanctioned offerings.