Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Saptamī Sacred Bath and the Mṛtavatsābhiṣeka Rite for Pacifying Misfortune an...

Devanagari script

ग्रहताराबलं लब्ध्वा कृत्वा ब्राह्मणवाचनम् बालस्य जन्मनक्षत्रं वर्जयेत्तां तिथिं बुधः तद्वद्वृद्धातुराणां च कृत्यं स्यादितरेषु च //

Transliteration

grahatārābalaṃ labdhvā kṛtvā brāhmaṇavācanam bālasya janmanakṣatraṃ varjayettāṃ tithiṃ budhaḥ tadvadvṛddhāturāṇāṃ ca kṛtyaṃ syāditareṣu ca //

Translation

After ascertaining the strength of the planets and the lunar asterisms (nakṣatra), and after having Brahmins recite the appropriate formulas, a wise man should avoid performing the rite on the child’s birth-asterism and on the corresponding tithi (lunar day). The same rule applies for the elderly and the sick; for others, the rite may be performed (without that restriction).

Word by Word

• graha-tārā-balam: the strength/favorability of planets and the tara (nakshatra) factors

• labdhvā: having obtained/ascertained

• kṛtvā: having done

• brāhmaṇa-vācanam: Brahmin recitation/consultation (mantra-reading, auspicious utterance)

• bālasya: of a child

• janma-nakṣatram: birth asterism (one’s natal nakshatra)

• varjayet: should avoid

• tām tithim: that tithi (lunar day)

• budhaḥ: the wise/learned person

• tadvat: likewise

• vृद्ध-āturāṇām: of the aged and the afflicted/sick

• ca: and

• kṛtyam: the rite/duty to be performed

• syāt: should be/is allowed

• itareṣu: in the case of others.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu; traditional dialogue framework of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmins
• Grahas (planets)
• Nakshatra
• Tithi

Tags

• Dharma
• Muhurta
• Jyotisha
• Samskara
• Ritual timing

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives practical Dharma guidance on choosing auspicious ritual timing (muhurta) using graha–tara strength and avoiding one’s janma-nakshatra for certain vulnerable persons.

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

It frames a householder’s (and by extension a ruler’s) duty to perform rites responsibly—consulting Brahmins and selecting proper muhurta—especially protecting children, the elderly, and the sick by avoiding potentially harmful natal-star timings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual-procedural: before undertaking a samskara or similar rite, one should assess graha–tara bala and use Brahmin recitation/consultation, while avoiding the child’s birth-nakshatra (and related tithi), with the same caution for aged and ill persons.