Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

वर्जयेल्लिङ्गिनः सर्वाञ् श्राद्धकाले विशेषतः पूर्वेद्युरपरेद्युर्वा विनीतात्मा निमन्त्रयेत् //

Transliteration

varjayelliṅginaḥ sarvāñ śrāddhakāle viśeṣataḥ pūrvedyuraparedyurvā vinītātmā nimantrayet //

Translation

At the time of the Śrāddha—especially—one should exclude all liṅgins, those marked by sectarian externals. With a disciplined mind, one should invite the proper guests either on the previous day or on the following day.

Word by Word

• varjayet: one should avoid/exclude

• liṅginaḥ: those bearing a liṅga/sect-mark, outward insignia (often implying mere externalism)

• sarvān: all

• śrāddha-kāle: at the time of the śrāddha rite

• viśeṣataḥ: especially/particularly

• pūrva-edyuḥ: on the previous day

• apara-edyuḥ vā: or on the following day

• vinīta-ātmā: self-controlled, disciplined in mind

• nimantrayet: should invite (formally invite guests/Brāhmaṇas).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Śrāddha

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Ritual Purity
• Dharma
• Guest Selection
• Brāhmaṇa Etiquette

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a dharma-śāstric instruction focused on correct Śrāddha procedure and the eligibility of invitees.

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

It guides the householder (and by extension a righteous ruler overseeing social dharma) to conduct Śrāddha with discernment—inviting suitable persons with self-control and proper timing (either the day before or the day after).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it prescribes guest-selection and invitation timing for Śrāddha, emphasizing discipline and avoiding those defined by mere external sect-marks during this ancestral rite.