Shloka 20

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

Devanagari script

विप्रेण वेदविदुषा विधिवद्दर्भपाणिना स्थापयित्वा तु चतुरः कुम्भान्कोणेषु शोभनान् //

Transliteration

vipreṇa vedaviduṣā vidhivaddarbhapāṇinā sthāpayitvā tu caturaḥ kumbhānkoṇeṣu śobhanān //

Translation

Then, a Brahmin learned in the Vedas—holding sacred darbha grass in his hand and acting according to proper rite—should duly set up four auspicious ritual pots (kumbhas) at the corners.

Word by Word

• विप्रेण (vipreṇa): by a Brahmin

• वेदविदुषा (vedaviduṣā): learned in the Vedas

• विधिवत् (vidhivat): according to prescribed rule/rite

• दर्भपाणिना (darbhapāṇinā): with darbha grass in hand

• स्थापयित्वा (sthāpayitvā): having स्थापित/should set up

• तु (tu): then/indeed

• चतुरः (caturaḥ): four

• कुम्भान् (kumbhān): pots, ritual water-jars

• कोणेषु (koṇeṣu): in the corners

• शोभनान् (śobhanān): auspicious, beautiful, well-adorned

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in ritual/temple procedure, Vastu-ritual context)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmin (vipra)
• Vedas
• Darbha
• Kumbha

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Installation
• Kumbha Sthapana
• Consecration
• Temple Procedure

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it prescribes a ritual action—placing four kumbhas at the corners—typical of consecration and protective rite patterns in Vastu/temple procedures.

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

It implies that major rites (for temples, images, or sacred spaces) should be performed under the guidance of a Veda-trained Brahmin following correct vidhi; a patron-king or householder supports and commissions the rite, ensuring orthopraxy and auspicious arrangement.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It describes kumbha-sthāpana: installing four auspicious ritual pots at the four corners, a standard consecration safeguard that ritually secures the space and aligns the rite with Vastu-oriented corner protection.