Shloka 48

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

जान्वाच्य सव्यं सव्येन पाणिनाथ प्रदक्षिणम् पित्र्यमानीय तत्कार्यं विधिवद्दर्भपाणिना //

Transliteration

jānvācya savyaṃ savyena pāṇinātha pradakṣiṇam pitryamānīya tatkāryaṃ vidhivaddarbhapāṇinā //

Translation

Placing the left knee down and, with the left hand, performing the proper circumambulation (pradakṣiṇa), one should then invite the Pitṛs, the ancestral manes. Holding kuśa-grass in hand, he should carry out that rite in the prescribed manner.

Word by Word

• jānu-ācya: having placed the knee down (kneeling)

• savyam: the left (side/hand)

• savyena pāṇinā: with the left hand

• atha: then

• pradakṣiṇam: circumambulation in the prescribed ritual manner

• pitryam: the Pitṛs/ancestral beings

• ānīya: having invited/brought near (ritually)

• tat-kāryam: that required act/rite (i.e., śrāddha procedure)

• vidhivat: according to rule

• darbha-pāṇinā: with the hand holding darbha/kuśa grass

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Darbha (Kuśa grass)

Tags

• Shraddha
• Pitrs
• Ritual Procedure
• Darbha
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes a precise śrāddha action—posture, circumambulation, and inviting the Pitṛs with darbha—within householder dharma.

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

It supports gṛhastha-dharma: the householder (and by extension a king as an exemplar) must honour ancestors through correctly performed śrāddha rites, using proper gestures and ritual implements.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: kneeling/placing the knee, performing the appropriate circumambulation, and holding darbha (kuśa grass) are technical śrāddha procedures believed to sanctify the act and properly seat/invite the Pitṛs.