Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — The Aśūnyaśayana Vrata

Devanagari script

सोपधानकविश्रामां फलैर्नानाविधैर्युताम् तथाभरणधान्यैश्च यथाशक्त्या समन्विताम् //

Transliteration

sopadhānakaviśrāmāṃ phalairnānāvidhairyutām tathābharaṇadhānyaiśca yathāśaktyā samanvitām //

Translation

One should provide it with pillows and a place of rest, supply many kinds of fruits, and also, according to one’s capacity, accompany it with ornaments and grains.

Word by Word

• sa-upadhānaka: with bedding/cushions

• viśrāmām: a resting place/arrangement for repose

• phalaiḥ: with fruits

• nānā-vidhaiḥ: of many kinds

• yutām: endowed/provided

• tathā: likewise/also

• ābharaṇa: ornaments/jewellery

• dhānyaiḥ: grains/cereals

• ca: and

• yathā-śaktyā: according to one’s ability

• samanvitām: furnished/combined/fully provided

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, dāna-dharma context)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dana
• Hospitality
• Grihastha-Dharma
• Punya
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dharma in the form of hospitality/charitable giving—providing rest, food items, and necessities according to one’s means.

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

It frames a practical standard for dharmic giving: a householder (and by extension a king through public charity) should support guests or recipients with comfort (bedding/rest), nourishment (fruits, grains), and additional support (ornaments) in proportion to available resources.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The emphasis is ritual-hospitality rather than Vāstu: arranging a proper ‘place of rest’ (viśrāma) with bedding is part of the prescribed protocol of welcoming and supporting guests/beneficiaries.