Shloka 58

Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types

Devanagari script

कन्याकुम्भवृषस्थे ऽर्के कृष्णपक्षेषु सर्वदा यत्र यत्र प्रदातव्यं सपिण्डीकरणात् परम् तत्रानेन विधानेन देयम् अग्निमता सदा //

Transliteration

kanyākumbhavṛṣasthe 'rke kṛṣṇapakṣeṣu sarvadā yatra yatra pradātavyaṃ sapiṇḍīkaraṇāt param tatrānena vidhānena deyam agnimatā sadā //

Translation

Whenever the Sun is in Virgo, Aquarius, or Taurus, and always during the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa-pakṣa), whatever offering is to be made after the rite of sapiṇḍīkaraṇa (joining the departed to the ancestral line) should invariably be given according to this prescribed procedure—by one who maintains the sacred fire.

Word by Word

• kanyā: Virgo

• kumbha: Aquarius

• vṛṣa: Taurus

• -sthe: being situated in (i.e., when the Sun is in those signs)

• arke: when the Sun (Arka) is (so placed)

• kṛṣṇa-pakṣeṣu: in the dark fortnight(s) (waning half of the lunar month)

• sarvadā: always

• yatra yatra: wherever/whenever

• pradātavyam: is to be given/should be offered

• sapiṇḍīkaraṇāt param: after the sapiṇḍīkaraṇa rite

• tatra: then/there

• anena vidhānena: by this method/procedure

• deyam: should be given

• agnimatā: by the one possessing/maintaining the sacred fire (āhitāgni/gṛhastha with agni)

• sadā: always.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, on dharma/ritual conduct)

Entities Mentioned

• Arka (Sun)
• Kṛṣṇa-pakṣa
• Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa
• Agni (household sacred fire)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Piṇḍa-dāna
• Sapiṇḍīkaraṇa
• Ritual timing
• Gṛhastha-dharma

FAQs

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

It does not address pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically the calendrical timing and correct procedure for ancestor offerings after sapiṇḍīkaraṇa.

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

It primarily guides the householder (gṛhastha), especially one who maintains the sacred fires, to perform post-sapiṇḍīkaraṇa śrāddha/offerings in the proper season (Sun in specified signs) and in the kṛṣṇa-pakṣa, emphasizing disciplined ritual duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: it prescribes auspicious/required timing (solar sign + dark fortnight) and insists the offering be made by an agnimān (one maintaining sacred fire) according to an established vidhi (procedure).