Shloka 3

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

Devanagari script

तद्विघाताय वक्ष्यामि सदा कल्पाणकारकम् सप्तमीस्नपनं नाम जनपीडाविनाशनम् //

Transliteration

tadvighātāya vakṣyāmi sadā kalpāṇakārakam saptamīsnapanaṃ nāma janapīḍāvināśanam //

Translation

To counter that affliction, I shall describe the rite called the Saptamī Ablution (Saptamī-snāna), ever a maker of welfare and a destroyer of the people’s suffering.

Word by Word

• tad: that

• vighātāya: for the removal/repelling

• vakṣyāmi: I shall explain

• sadā: always

• kalyāṇa-kārakam: producing auspiciousness/welfare

• saptamī-snapanaṃ: the Saptamī bathing/ablution rite (performed on the seventh lunar day)

• nāma: by name/called

• jana: people

• pīḍā: distress/affliction

• vināśanam: destruction/removal

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Saptamī (tithi)
• Snapana (ritual ablution)

Tags

• Vrata
• Ritual
• Public welfare
• Protective rites
• Tithi

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic creation or Pralaya; it introduces a remedial ritual intended to avert worldly afflictions affecting the populace.

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

It frames a dharmic duty of governance and householdership: performing or sponsoring welfare-producing rites to remove collective distress (jana-pīḍā), especially during times of social or environmental trouble.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it announces the Saptamī-snapana, an ablution-based observance on the seventh lunar day, presented as an auspicious, protective procedure that neutralizes public suffering.