Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

प्रशान्तचित्तः सततं दर्भपाणिरशेषतः गुणाढ्यैः सूपशाकैस्तु नानाभक्ष्यैर्विशेषतः //

Transliteration

praśāntacittaḥ satataṃ darbhapāṇiraśeṣataḥ guṇāḍhyaiḥ sūpaśākaistu nānābhakṣyairviśeṣataḥ //

Translation

With a mind ever tranquil, holding sacred darbha grass in hand, he should perform the rite completely—especially with wholesome, nourishing soups and vegetable preparations, and with various kinds of food-offerings in particular.

Word by Word

• प्रशान्तचित्तः: one whose mind is calm and composed

• सततम्: always/continually

• दर्भपाणिः: having darbha grass in the hand (ritual posture of purity)

• अशेषतः: entirely, without omission

• गुणाढ्यैः: rich in qualities/nourishing/wholesome

• सूपशाकैः: with soups and vegetable dishes

• तु: and/indeed

• नानाभक्ष्यैः: with various edible offerings/foods

• विशेषतः: especially, in particular

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Manu–Matsya dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Darbha (Kusha grass)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Vrata
• Ahara
• Puja

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly describe Pralaya; it focuses on ritual discipline—mental calm, purity (darbha), and proper food-offerings—supporting dharmic conduct rather than cosmology.

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

It emphasizes the householder/kingly duty of maintaining inner composure and performing rites correctly with pure, nourishing offerings—showing that governance and household life should be grounded in disciplined worship and regulated conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual marker is darbha (kuśa) held in the hand, a standard sign of purity and proper procedure in Vedic-Puranic worship; the verse also highlights appropriate naivedya (food offerings), especially soups and vegetable preparations.