Shloka 2

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

Devanagari script

माधवस्य सिते पक्षे सप्तम्यां नियतव्रतः प्रातः स्नात्वा तिलैः शुक्लैः शुक्लमाल्यानुलेपनः //

Transliteration

mādhavasya site pakṣe saptamyāṃ niyatavrataḥ prātaḥ snātvā tilaiḥ śuklaiḥ śuklamālyānulepanaḥ //

Translation

On the seventh lunar day (Saptamī) of the bright fortnight in the month of Mādhava, the vow-observer—self-restrained—should bathe in the morning, and then worship using white sesame, wearing white garlands and applying white unguents (as marks of purity).

Word by Word

• mādhavasya: of (the month) Mādhava

• site pakṣe: in the bright fortnight (śukla-pakṣa)

• saptamyām: on the seventh lunar day (Saptamī)

• niyata-vrataḥ: one who is regulated/observing a vow

• prātaḥ: in the morning

• snātvā: having bathed

• tilaiḥ: with sesame seeds

• śuklaiḥ: white (pure)

• śukla-mālya-anulepanaḥ: having white garlands (mālya) and white unguent/anointment (anulepana)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on vrata and ritual discipline)

Entities Mentioned

• Mādhava
• Saptamī
• Śukla-pakṣa
• Tilā (sesame)

Tags

• Vrata
• Ritual Purity
• Mādhava Month
• Dharma
• Upavāsa/Observance

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on vrata-vidhi—ritual purity and disciplined worship timing (Mādhava month, Śukla Saptamī).

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

It frames dharma as regulated self-discipline: rising early, bathing, and performing pure offerings—practices applicable to both householders and rulers as part of ethical and ritual governance of daily life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes a specific worship protocol: morning bath and the use of “white” substances (white sesame, white garlands, white unguents) to signify sattva, purity, and auspiciousness in vrata practice.