Shloka 42

Matsya Purana — The Cave-Sanctuary: Jewel-Lake

Devanagari script

नानाविधैस्तथा पुष्पैः फलमूलैः सगोरसैः नित्यं त्रिषवणस्नायी वह्निपूजापरायणः //

Transliteration

nānāvidhaistathā puṣpaiḥ phalamūlaiḥ sagorasaiḥ nityaṃ triṣavaṇasnāyī vahnipūjāparāyaṇaḥ //

Translation

With many kinds of flowers, and with fruits and roots along with cow-derived offerings, he should bathe regularly at the three daily junctions and remain devoted to the worship of the sacred fire.

Word by Word

• नानाविधैः: of many kinds/varieties

• तथा: and likewise

• पुष्पैः: with flowers

• फलमूलैः: with fruits and edible roots/tubers

• सगोरसैः: together with ‘go-rasa’ (cow-derived liquids/essences, especially milk, curd, ghee, etc.)

• नित्यम्: always/daily

• त्रिषवणस्नायी: one who bathes at the three savanas (morning, midday, evening)

• वह्निपूजापरायणः: intent upon/devoted to the worship of Agni (the ritual fire).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on dharma/ācāra)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni (Vahni)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual
• Agnihotra
• Snana
• Householder

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes daily discipline—regular bathing at the three savanas and steadfast worship of the sacred fire.

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

It reflects the expected ācāra of a dhārmika leader or gṛhastha: maintaining purity through tri-savana bathing and sustaining Vedic order through Agni-worship and suitable offerings (flowers, fruits, roots, and cow-derived substances).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes Agni-pūjā/Agnihotra-style fire worship and prescribed upacāras (offerings). Indirectly, it implies the presence of a maintained household/altar fire space, central to orthodox domestic ritual practice.