Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Aśūnyaśayana Vrata

Devanagari script

गीतवादित्रनिर्घोषं देवदेवस्य कीर्तयेत् घण्टा भवेदशक्तस्य सर्ववाद्यमयी यतः //

Transliteration

gītavāditranirghoṣaṃ devadevasya kīrtayet ghaṇṭā bhavedaśaktasya sarvavādyamayī yataḥ //

Translation

One should glorify Devadeva with the resonant sounds of singing and musical instruments. If one is unable (to arrange many instruments), a bell may be used instead, for the bell is regarded as embodying the essence of all instruments.

Word by Word

• gīta: singing

• vāditra: musical instrument(s)

• nirghoṣam: loud resonance/sound

• devadevasya: of Devadeva (the God of gods)

• kīrtayet: should praise/celebrate

• ghaṇṭā: bell

• bhavet: may be/should be used

• aśaktasya: of one who is unable/incapable (to provide instruments)

• sarva: all

• vādyamayī: consisting of/embodying instruments

• yataḥ: because/for (the reason that).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s teaching dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Devadeva

Tags

• Puja
• Ritual
• Bhakti
• Sound
• Temple

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on devotional worship—honoring Devadeva through sacred sound (song, instruments, or a bell).

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

It frames a practical dharmic duty: even without wealth or resources, a householder (or ruler) can perform worship by using a bell as a complete substitute for elaborate musical offerings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates temple/puja sound-offerings (nāda-upacāra): if full music is not possible, the ghaṇṭā (bell) alone is acceptable because it symbolizes all instruments in worship.