Shloka 25

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

Devanagari script

नारीभिः सप्तसंख्याभिर् अव्यङ्गाङ्गीभिरत्र च पूजिताभिर्यथाशक्त्या माल्यवस्त्रविभूषणैः सविप्राभिश्च कर्तव्यं मृतवत्साभिषेचनम् //

Transliteration

nārībhiḥ saptasaṃkhyābhir avyaṅgāṅgībhiratra ca pūjitābhiryathāśaktyā mālyavastravibhūṣaṇaiḥ saviprābhiśca kartavyaṃ mṛtavatsābhiṣecanam //

Translation

Here, the rite called the Mṛtavatsābhiṣecana should be performed with seven women of unimpaired limbs, who are to be honoured according to one’s means with garlands, garments, and ornaments, and along with brāhmaṇas as well.

Word by Word

• नारीभिः (nārībhiḥ): by women

• सप्तसंख्याभिः (sapta-saṃkhyābhiḥ): numbering seven

• अव्यङ्गाङ्गीभिः (avyaṅga-aṅgībhih): with unblemished/undamaged limbs (physically complete)

• अत्र (atra): here/in this rite

• च (ca): and

• पूजिताभिः (pūjitābhiḥ): having been worshipped/honoured

• यथाशक्त्या (yathāśaktyā): according to one’s capacity

• माल्य (mālya): garlands

• वस्त्र (vastra): cloth/garments

• विभूषणैः (vibhūṣaṇaiḥ): ornaments/adornments

• सविप्राभिः (sa-viprābhiḥ): together with brāhmaṇas

• च (ca): also

• कर्तव्यम् (kartavyam): should be done/ought to be performed

• मृतवत्साभिषेचनम् (mṛtavatsābhiṣecanam): the ‘mṛtavatsā’ consecratory sprinkling rite (a ritual for one affected by the death/loss of a child).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purāṇa’s ritual injunctions in the Manu–Matsya discourse frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇas (Vipras)
• Seven women (Sapta-nārī)

Tags

• Ritual
• Prāyaścitta
• Abhiṣeka
• Householder Dharma
• Matsya Purana rituals

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is a ritual injunction (abhiṣeka/prāyaścitta) and does not discuss cosmic creation or pralaya.

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

It prescribes a household rite to be carried out properly: selecting qualified participants (seven physically unimpaired women), honouring them within one’s means, and involving brāhmaṇas—reflecting dharma through correct ritual conduct and respectful gifting.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: it specifies the required officiants/participants and the protocol of honouring (mālya, vastra, vibhūṣaṇa) for performing the Mṛtavatsābhiṣecana, emphasizing purity/auspicious qualifications and brāhmaṇa participation.