Shloka 5

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

Devanagari script

शान्तये तत्र वक्ष्यामि मृतवत्साभिषेचनम् एतद् एवाद्भुतोद्वेगचित्तभ्रमविनाशनम् //

Transliteration

śāntaye tatra vakṣyāmi mṛtavatsābhiṣecanam etad evādbhutodvegacittabhramavināśanam //

Translation

For pacification, I shall now describe the rite called the ‘Mṛtavatsābhiṣecana’—the ablution for a (seemingly) dead calf; this very procedure destroys the distress caused by portents, agitation, and confusion of the mind.

Word by Word

• शान्तये (śāntaye): for pacification/appeasement

• तत्र (tatra): there/in that context

• वक्ष्यामि (vakṣyāmi): I will explain

• मृतवत्स-अभिषेचनम् (mṛtavatsa-abhiṣecanam): the ablution/ritual sprinkling named ‘dead-calf (rite)’

• एतत् एव (etat eva): this alone/this very (rite)

• अद्भुत-उद्वेग (adbhuta-udvega): agitation caused by wonders/portents/omens

• चित्त-भ्रम (citta-bhrama): mental confusion/delusion

• विनाशनम् (vināśanam): destroyer/remover.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Shanti
• Ritual
• Omens
• Abhisheka
• Mental Peace

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it focuses on a Śānti (pacification) rite meant to counter fear and disturbance arising from extraordinary signs (adbhuta), which can be interpreted as ominous phenomena rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames a dharmic duty to restore social and personal stability: when a king or householder is shaken by ominous events or anxiety, prescribed Śānti rites are recommended to regain clarity (citta-prasāda) and maintain orderly conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual, not architectural: it introduces a specific abhiṣeka-based pacification procedure (mṛtavatsābhiṣecana) presented as a targeted remedy for omens, agitation, and mental confusion.