Shloka 63

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

एतच्चानुपनीतो ऽपि कुर्यात्सर्वेषु पर्वसु श्राद्धं साधारणं नाम सर्वकामफलप्रदम् //

Transliteration

etaccānupanīto 'pi kuryātsarveṣu parvasu śrāddhaṃ sādhāraṇaṃ nāma sarvakāmaphalapradam //

Translation

Even one who has not undergone the upanayana initiation should perform, on all parva (sacred junction) days, the śrāddha called “Sādhāraṇa”; it bestows the fruits of all desired aims.

Word by Word

• etat ca: this also/this indeed

• anupanītaḥ api: even (if) not initiated by upanayana

• kuryāt: should do/should perform

• sarveṣu parvasu: on all parva days (sacred lunar/ritual occasions)

• śrāddham: ancestral rite offering (śrāddha)

• sādhāraṇam nāma: by the name “sādhāraṇa” (common/general)

• sarva-kāma-phala-pradam: granting the results (fruits) of all wishes/desired goals

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and ritual observances)

Entities Mentioned

• Upanayana
• Parva (sacred days)
• Śrāddha
• Sādhāraṇa-śrāddha

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Ritual Dharma
• Parva days
• Householder duties
• Ancestral rites

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically the permissibility and merit of performing a “sādhāraṇa” śrāddha on parva days.

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

It frames śrāddha as a broadly accessible duty: even someone lacking formal initiation may perform the sādhāraṇa śrāddha on sacred occasions, emphasizing inclusive ancestral obligation and merit-making relevant to householders and rulers alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): “Sādhāraṇa-śrāddha” is presented as a generally applicable śrāddha to be done on parva days, praised as yielding comprehensive desired results (sarvakāma-phala).