Shloka 56

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

द्विजरूपः शिखी ब्रह्मा निगदन्कर्णकुण्डलः बटुभिश्चान्वितो युक्तैः समित्पुष्पकुशोदकैः //

Transliteration

dvijarūpaḥ śikhī brahmā nigadankarṇakuṇḍalaḥ baṭubhiścānvito yuktaiḥ samitpuṣpakuśodakaiḥ //

Translation

Brahmā, assuming the form of a twice-born Brahmin, wearing a topknot (śikhā) and ear-ornaments, arrived reciting sacred utterances, accompanied by disciplined brahmacārin youths carrying fuel-sticks, flowers, kuśa-grass, and water for ritual use.

Word by Word

• dvija-rūpaḥ: in the form of a twice-born (Brahmin)

• śikhī: with a topknot (śikhā)

• brahmā: Brahmā

• nigadan: uttering/reciting (sacred words)

• karṇa-kuṇḍalaḥ: wearing ear-ornaments

• baṭubhiḥ: with brahmacārin boys/novices

• ca: and

• anvitaḥ: accompanied

• yuktaiḥ: disciplined/fit/properly equipped

• samit: fuel-sticks for the sacred fire

• puṣpa: flowers

• kuśa: kuśa-grass

• udakaiḥ: with water (for ācamana/ritual).

Speaker

• Narrator (within the Matsya Purana dialogue frame; commonly Sūta recounting, with Matsya–Manu context in surrounding chapters)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Dvija (Brahmin)
• Baṭu (brahmacārin novices)
• Kuśa grass
• Samit (fuel-sticks)

Tags

• Ritual
• Brahmacarya
• Vedic implements
• Dharma
• Iconography (Brahmā as dvija)

FAQs

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

This verse is not a Pralaya description; it highlights Brahmā’s ritualized, Brahminical presentation—suggesting that cosmic authority is expressed through Vedic order and sacrificial protocol rather than through dissolution imagery here.

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

It underscores the householder/royal duty to honor Vedic ritual culture: brahmacārin attendants and offerings (water, kuśa, flowers, samit) imply hospitality to learned guests and support of yajña—core obligations in Purāṇic dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it lists standard yajña/upacāra materials—samit for the fire, kuśa for sanctification, udaka for purification, and flowers for offering—key elements for conducting Vedic rites and consecratory procedures.