Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

दक्षिणं जानुमालभ्य त्वं मया तु निमन्त्रितः एवं निमन्त्र्य नियमं श्रावयेत्पितृबान्धवान् //

Transliteration

dakṣiṇaṃ jānumālabhya tvaṃ mayā tu nimantritaḥ evaṃ nimantrya niyamaṃ śrāvayetpitṛbāndhavān //

Translation

Touching the right knee (as a respectful entreaty), one should say: “You have indeed been invited by me.” Having thus invited them, one should then make the rule of observance heard by the paternal relatives.

Word by Word

• dakṣiṇam: the right (side)

• jānum: knee

• ālabhya: having touched/laid hold of

• tvam: you

• mayā: by me

• tu: indeed/then

• nimantritaḥ: invited

• evam: thus

• nimantrya: having invited

• niyamam: the prescribed rule/observance (niyama)

• śrāvayet: should cause to hear/should announce

• pitṛ-bāndhavān: paternal kinsmen/relatives connected through the father’s line

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on ritual procedure)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Pitṛ-bāndhavas

Tags

• Shraddha
• Pitru-rites
• Ritual procedure
• Householder Dharma
• Invitation etiquette

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives a practical rule of ritual etiquette for inviting paternal relatives and communicating the observances to be followed.

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

It aligns with gṛhastha-dharma: a householder must perform Pitṛ-related rites properly, including formally inviting eligible relatives and clearly stating the niyamas (disciplinary rules) to ensure the rite is conducted in a pure and orderly manner.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual, not architectural: it prescribes the respectful invitation gesture (touching the right knee) and the requirement to announce the observance-rules to the paternal kin before the rite proceeds.