Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — The Aśūnyaśayana Vrata

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणस्यापि सौवर्णीम् उपस्करसमन्विताम् प्रतिमां देवदेवस्य सोदकुम्भां निवेदयेत् //

Transliteration

brāhmaṇasyāpi sauvarṇīm upaskarasamanvitām pratimāṃ devadevasya sodakumbhāṃ nivedayet //

Translation

One should offer, even to a Brāhmaṇa, a golden image of the God of gods, furnished with the requisite accessories, together with a water-pot.

Word by Word

• ब्राह्मणस्य (brāhmaṇasya): to/for a Brāhmaṇa

• अपि (api): even/also

• सौवर्णीम् (sauvarṇīm): made of gold, golden

• उपस्कर-समन्विताम् (upaskara-samanvitām): endowed with ritual accessories/implements

• प्रतिमाम् (pratimām): an icon, image

• देवदेवस्य (devadevasya): of the God of gods (supreme deity, typically Viṣṇu/Īśvara in Purāṇic usage)

• सोदकुम्भाम् (sodakumbhām): along with a water-pot (kumbha) containing water

• निवेदयेत् (nivedayet): should present/offer (as a religious donation).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this doctrinal passage)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇa
• Devadeva (Supreme Deity)
• Pratimā (icon)
• Kumbha (water-pot)

Tags

• Dāna
• Pratimā
• Ritual
• Pūjā
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on dāna (religious gifting) and proper offerings connected with icon-worship.

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

It frames a dharmic duty of patrons—especially householders and rulers—to support Brahmins and worship by donating a properly equipped deity-icon and a water-pot, emphasizing meritorious giving aligned with ritual standards.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies pratimā-dāna with upaskara (necessary worship accessories) and a sodaka-kumbha, reflecting standardized temple/pūjā requirements where the kumbha and implements are essential for consecration and daily worship.