Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

भोजयेच्छक्तितो विप्राञ् छर्कराघृतपायसैः भुञ्जीतातैललवणं स्वयमप्यथ वाग्यतः //

Transliteration

bhojayecchaktito viprāñ charkarāghṛtapāyasaiḥ bhuñjītātailalavaṇaṃ svayamapyatha vāgyataḥ //

Translation

According to one’s means, one should feed the Brāhmaṇas with sweet pāyasa (rice-milk pudding) prepared with sugar and ghee; then oneself should eat only oil and salt, remaining restrained in speech.

Word by Word

• भोजयेत्: should feed

• शक्तितः: according to ability/means

• विप्रान्: Brahmanas/learned priests

• शर्करा: sugar

• घृत: ghee/clarified butter

• पायसैः: with payasa (sweet rice pudding)

• भुञ्जीत: should eat

• तैल: oil

• लवणम्: salt

• स्वयम् अपि: oneself also

• अथ: then/thereafter

• वाग्यतः: restrained in speech, self-controlled in words

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, as part of dharma teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Vipras (Brahmanas)

Tags

• Dharma
• Danadharma
• Atithi-satkara
• Vrata
• Ritual Conduct

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches dharmic conduct—prioritizing offerings to learned Brahmanas and personal austerity afterward.

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

It frames a core householder/royal duty: honoring vipras through food-gifts according to one’s capacity, while practicing humility and restraint (simple personal diet and controlled speech).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes the etiquette of a feeding-offering (vipra-bhojana): rich offerings to the recipients (payasa with sugar and ghee) followed by the sponsor’s simple, restrained consumption and disciplined speech.