Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

तत्रापि पूर्ववत्कुर्याद् अग्निकार्यं विमत्सरः उभाभ्यामपि हस्ताभ्याम् आहृत्य परिवेषयेत् //

Transliteration

tatrāpi pūrvavatkuryād agnikāryaṃ vimatsaraḥ ubhābhyāmapi hastābhyām āhṛtya pariveṣayet //

Translation

There too, just as before, let him—free from envy—perform the required acts connected with the sacred fire; and, having brought (the food/offerings) with both hands, he should duly serve it around (to those to be honored).

Word by Word

• tatra api: there also/in that context too

• pūrva-vat: as previously/according to the earlier rule

• kuryāt: should do/should perform

• agni-kāryam: the rite/duty pertaining to the sacred fire (homa, tending, offerings)

• vimatsaraḥ: without jealousy, non-envious, free from spite

• ubhābhyām api: with both indeed/with both as well

• hastābhyām: with (his) two hands

• āhṛtya: having brought, having fetched

• pariveṣayet: should serve, should distribute food respectfully (to guests/priests/elders) in due order.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (as instructor) to Vaivasvata Manu (as listener)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni (sacred fire)
• Manu (implied addressee)

Tags

• Grihastha Dharma
• Agnihotra
• Hospitality
• Ritual Procedure
• Matsya Purana Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on dharmic conduct in ritual life—performing fire-rites properly and serving respectfully, with a mind free from envy.

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

It reflects the householder’s (and by extension a ruler’s) duty to uphold dharma through disciplined fire-rituals and humble, orderly hospitality—serving with both hands and without jealousy, emphasizing purity of intention and social responsibility.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is procedural: continue the prescribed agni-kārya “as before,” and serve offerings/food in a respectful manner (both hands), highlighting correct liturgical etiquette rather than Vāstu or temple architecture.