Shloka 48

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

देवाद्यन्तं प्रकुर्वीत श्राद्धनाशो ऽन्यथा भवेत् विसृज्य ब्राह्मणांस्तद्वत् तेषां कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणम् //

Transliteration

devādyantaṃ prakurvīta śrāddhanāśo 'nyathā bhavet visṛjya brāhmaṇāṃstadvat teṣāṃ kṛtvā pradakṣiṇam //

Translation

One should perform the śrāddha beginning with offerings to the gods and bringing it to its proper conclusion; otherwise the śrāddha becomes futile. Having duly dismissed the brāhmaṇas according to rule, one should then circumambulate them respectfully (pradakṣiṇa).

Word by Word

• deva-ādi-antam: beginning with the gods and ending (in due sequence)

• prakurvīta: should perform

• śrāddha-nāśaḥ: destruction/failure of the śrāddha (loss of efficacy)

• anyathā: otherwise

• bhavet: would occur

• visṛjya: having dismissed/sent off respectfully

• brāhmaṇān: the brāhmaṇas

• tadvat: in that same prescribed manner

• teṣām: of them/around them

• kṛtvā: having done

• pradakṣiṇam: circumambulation (keeping the right side toward the honored ones).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Brāhmaṇas
• Śrāddha
• Pradakṣiṇā

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Ritual Procedure
• Dharma
• Householder Duties
• Brahmana Honor

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches ritual correctness in śrāddha—especially the proper sequence (devas first) to preserve the rite’s efficacy.

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

It frames śrāddha as a dharmic duty: a householder (and likewise a king as exemplar) must follow the prescribed order and properly honor and dismiss brāhmaṇas, or the intended religious merit is lost.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it stresses two key procedures: (1) performing śrāddha from deva-offerings through the proper conclusion, and (2) respectful dismissal of brāhmaṇas followed by pradakṣiṇā as an act of honor.