Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

एवमावाह्य तत्सर्वं वेदमन्त्रैर्यथोदितैः एकाग्नेरेक एव स्यान् निर्वापो दर्विका तथा //

Transliteration

evamāvāhya tatsarvaṃ vedamantrairyathoditaiḥ ekāgnereka eva syān nirvāpo darvikā tathā //

Translation

Thus, having invoked all of that as prescribed with Vedic mantras, one should maintain a single sacred fire; and there should be only one act of offering (nirvāpa), performed using the ladle (darvikā) as well.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• āvāhya: having invoked/installed (by ritual invitation)

• tat sarvam: all that (the required ritual factors/offerings/deities as applicable)

• veda-mantraiḥ: with Vedic mantras

• yathā-uditaiḥ: as stated/prescribed

• eka-agneḥ: of/with a single fire

• eka eva: only one

• syāt: should be

• nirvāpaḥ: offering/oblation act (placing into the fire)

• darvikā: ladle/spoon used for oblations

• tathā: likewise/also

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vedic mantras (Veda-mantra)
• Agni (sacred fire)
• Darvikā (ritual ladle)

Tags

• Yajna
• Vedic ritual
• Agni
• Mantra
• Householder duties

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives technical ritual guidance—invocation with Vedic mantras and maintaining a single consecrated fire with a regulated method of oblation.

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

It aligns with dharma-based discipline in rites: a householder (or a ruler sponsoring rites) should follow prescribed mantras and maintain orderly procedure—one properly established fire and correctly performed offerings—rather than improvised or excessive ritual variations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it stresses ekāgni (one sacred fire) and a standardized nirvāpa using the darvikā ladle—key procedural points for homa/yajña performance, often tied to correct altar/fire arrangement in orthodox practice.