Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

सार्ववर्णिकमन्नाद्यं संनीयाप्लाव्य वारिणा समुत्सृजेद्भुक्तवताम् अग्रतो विकिरेद्भुवि //

Transliteration

sārvavarṇikamannādyaṃ saṃnīyāplāvya vāriṇā samutsṛjedbhuktavatām agrato vikiredbhuvi //

Translation

Having gathered the leftover food suitable for all social classes, one should rinse it with water and then dispose of it; and in front of those who have eaten, one should scatter a portion upon the ground.

Word by Word

• सार्ववर्णिकम्: suitable for all varṇas/classes

• अन्नाद्यम्: food and edibles

• संनीय: having collected/gathered

• आप्लाव्य: having washed/rinsed

• वारिणा: with water

• समुत्सृजेत्: should discard/throw away (properly)

• भुक्तवताम्: of those who have eaten/dined

• अग्रतः: in front/before

• विकिरेत्: should scatter/sprinkle

• भुवि: on the ground/earth

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Bhūmi (Earth)

Tags

• Dharma
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Ācāra
• Śauca (purity)
• Bali/offering

FAQs

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

It does not discuss pralaya directly; it teaches day-to-day dharma—purity and proper handling of leftovers—showing how order (dharma) is maintained in ordinary life.

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

It primarily guides the householder: leftovers should be gathered, washed, and properly discarded, and a small scattering on the ground functions like a simple bali—an act of disciplined cleanliness and mindful giving.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it indicates a post-meal procedure: cleansing with water and a ground-offering/scattering (bali-like), aligning the dining act with śauca (purity) and orderly domestic ritual practice.