Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

रजतस्य कथा वापि दर्शनं दानमेव वा राजतैर् भाजनैरेषाम् अथवा रजतान्वितैः //

Transliteration

rajatasya kathā vāpi darśanaṃ dānameva vā rājatair bhājanaireṣām athavā rajatānvitaiḥ //

Translation

Even recounting the virtues of silver, or merely beholding it, or indeed giving it in charity—one may accomplish the intended offerings using vessels made of silver, or vessels furnished with silver.

Word by Word

• rajatasya: of silver

• kathā: narration/account (of its virtues)

• vā api: or even

• darśanam: seeing/beholding

• dānam eva vā: or indeed giving (as charity)

• rājataiḥ: made of silver

• bhājanaiḥ: with vessels/containers

• eṣām: of these (rites/offerings mentioned in context)

• athavā: or else

• rajata-anvitaiḥ: endowed/adorned with silver (silver-fitted)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Rajata (silver)
• Dāna (charity)

Tags

• Dana
• Ritual
• Merit
• Householder Dharma
• Auspicious Materials

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dharma through dāna—how silver (rajata) and even engagement with it (narration, sight, or gift) is treated as meritorious within ritual practice.

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

It supports the householder/kingly duty of dāna by prescribing silver as a worthy medium for charity and ritual support—either by donating silver directly or by using silver (or silver-fitted) vessels in prescribed offerings, emphasizing accessible ways to fulfill religious obligation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights material prescriptions: offerings may be performed with pure silver vessels or silver-adorned vessels, indicating the auspicious status of rajata and the acceptability of silver fittings as a valid substitute when full silver implements are not available.