Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

वार्यपि श्रद्धया दत्तम् अक्षयायोपकल्पते तथार्घ्यपिण्डभोज्यादौ पितॄणां राजतं मतम् //

Transliteration

vāryapi śraddhayā dattam akṣayāyopakalpate tathārghyapiṇḍabhojyādau pitṝṇāṃ rājataṃ matam //

Translation

Even water, when offered with faith, becomes a cause of imperishable merit. Likewise, in offerings such as arghya, piṇḍa, and the food served in śrāddha, the Pitṛs are said to be especially pleased by gifts made in silver.

Word by Word

• vāri api: even water

• śraddhayā: with faith, with reverent trust

• dattam: given, offered

• akṣayāya: for imperishable (merit), for lasting fruit

• upakalpate: becomes effective, is fit/produces the result

• tathā: likewise, in the same way

• arghya: respectful oblation (water-offering)

• piṇḍa: rice-ball offering to the ancestors

• bhojya-ādau: in food and related offerings/arrangements

• pitṝṇām: of the Pitṛs (ancestors)

• rājataṃ: silver (made of silver)

• matam: is considered (authoritatively), is the accepted view.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on śrāddha and pitṛ-offerings

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs (ancestors)
• Arghya
• Piṇḍa
• Śrāddha
• Rājata (silver)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛ-tarpaṇa
• Dāna
• Ritual purity
• Akṣaya-phala

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it emphasizes akṣaya-phala (imperishable merit) gained through faith-filled śrāddha offerings to the Pitṛs, even when the offering is as simple as water.

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

It frames a core householder (and kingly) duty: honoring ancestors through śrāddha. The verse teaches that sincerity (śraddhā) makes even minimal offerings fruitful, and it also recommends appropriate dāna—especially silver—for strengthening the rite’s efficacy.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual, not architectural: proper śrāddha components (arghya, piṇḍa, bhojya) are highlighted, and silver (rājata) is singled out as an especially acceptable/pleasing medium for gifts connected to Pitṛ rites.