Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Śarkarā-Saptamī Vrata: The Sugar Offering Rite to Savitṛ

Devanagari script

*ईश्वर उवाच शर्करासप्तमीं वक्ष्ये तद्वत्कल्मषनाशिनीम् आयुरारोग्यमैश्वर्यं ययानन्तं प्रजायते //

Transliteration

*īśvara uvāca śarkarāsaptamīṃ vakṣye tadvatkalmaṣanāśinīm āyurārogyamaiśvaryaṃ yayānantaṃ prajāyate //

Translation

The Lord said: “I shall explain the Śarkarā-saptamī (the seventh-day rite involving śarkarā), which likewise destroys sin. By performing it, boundless longevity, freedom from disease, and prosperity are attained.”

Word by Word

• īśvaraḥ: the Lord

• uvāca: said

• śarkarā-saptamīm: the ‘Śarkarā Saptamī’ observance/holy seventh day (rite involving sugar or crystalline offering)

• vakṣye: I will explain

• tadvat: likewise/in the same manner (as a previously described vow)

• kalmaṣa-nāśinīm: the destroyer of impurities/sins

• āyuḥ: lifespan/longevity

• ārogyam: health/freedom from disease

• aiśvaryam: prosperity/sovereignty/fortune

• yayā: by which (by the performance of which)

• anantam: endless/boundless

• prajāyate: is produced/arises/is obtained.

Speaker

• Īśvara (Lord Matsya/Vishnu, speaking as the Lord in the dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Īśvara
• Śarkarā-saptamī

Tags

• Vrata
• Ritual
• Dharma
• Punya
• Health-and-Prosperity

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it introduces a vrata (Śarkarā-saptamī) and states its fruits—sin-destruction, longevity, health, and prosperity.

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

It frames righteous observance (vrata) as a dharmic practice that supports worldly stability—health, long life, and prosperity—goals valued for both householders and rulers in Purāṇic ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: the Lord announces the Śarkarā-saptamī observance and its promised results; no Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears in this verse.