Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Aśūnyaśayana Vrata

Devanagari script

अशून्यशयनं नाम द्वितीया संप्रकीर्तिता तस्यां सम्पूजयेद्विष्णुम् एभिर्मन्त्रैर्विधानतः //

Transliteration

aśūnyaśayanaṃ nāma dvitīyā saṃprakīrtitā tasyāṃ sampūjayedviṣṇum ebhirmantrairvidhānataḥ //

Translation

The second lunar day is proclaimed as the rite called “Aśūnyaśayana” (the vow of an unempty bed). On that day, one should duly worship Lord Viṣṇu, employing these mantras according to the prescribed procedure.

Word by Word

• aśūnya-śayanam: ‘unempty bed’ vow/observance

• nāma: named/called

• dvitīyā: the second lunar day (tithi)

• saṃprakīrtitā: declared/proclaimed

• tasyām: on that (day)

• sampūjayet: should worship completely

• viṣṇum: Vishnu

• ebhiḥ: with these

• mantraiḥ: mantras

• vidhānataḥ: according to rule/prescription

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for this vrata section)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Aśūnyaśayana
• Dvitīyā (tithi)

Tags

• Vrata
• Vishnu Worship
• Tithi
• Ritual Procedure
• Mantra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma—specifically, worship of Viṣṇu on the Dvitīyā tithi through prescribed mantras.

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

It frames a householder-style obligation: observing calendrical vows (tithi-vratas) and performing rule-based Viṣṇu-pūjā, reflecting disciplined dharma through regular, scripturally guided worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it stresses vidhānataḥ—worship must follow correct procedure and mantra-usage. The term Aśūnyaśayana indicates a specific vow tied to domestic and devotional observance rather than temple architecture.