Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

अग्नौ कुर्यादनुज्ञातो विप्रैर् विप्रो यथाविधि स्वगृह्योक्तविधानेन कांस्ये कृत्वा चरुं ततः //

Transliteration

agnau kuryādanujñāto viprair vipro yathāvidhi svagṛhyoktavidhānena kāṃsye kṛtvā caruṃ tataḥ //

Translation

When permitted by the brāhmaṇas, the brāhmaṇa should perform the rite in the sacred fire in the proper manner; then, following the procedure taught in his own Gṛhya tradition, he should prepare the caru (sacrificial porridge) in a bronze vessel.

Word by Word

• अग्नौ (agnau): in the fire, in the sacred fire

• कुर्यात् (kuryāt): should do/perform

• अनुज्ञातः (anujñātaḥ): having been permitted/authorized

• विप्रैः (vipraiḥ): by learned Brahmins

• विप्रः (vipraḥ): a Brahmin

• यथाविधि (yathāvidhi): according to rule, duly

• स्वगृह्योक्तविधानेन (svagṛhyokta-vidhānena): by the method prescribed in one’s own Gṛhya-sūtra/tradition

• कांस्ये (kāṃsye): in a bronze vessel

• कृत्वा (kṛtvā): having made/prepared

• चरुम् (carum): caru, sacrificial porridge/oblation

• ततः (tataḥ): then/thereafter.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, as part of dharma/ritual guidance)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Vipra (Brahmin)
• Gṛhya tradition (Gṛhya-sūtra)
• Caru (havis/oblation)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Agnihotra
• Homa
• Gṛhya

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on correct ritual performance—authorization by learned Brahmins and proper preparation of the caru oblation for offering into Agni.

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

It reinforces dharmic discipline: rites should be performed only with proper sanction and in accordance with one’s inherited Gṛhya tradition—guidance relevant to householders who maintain domestic fire-rituals and to rulers who sponsor orthodox sacrifices.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is procedural precision: the caru (havis) is to be prepared in a bronze vessel and offered into the sacred fire according to established Gṛhya rules—highlighting standardized materials and lineage-based liturgical method.