Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — The Greatness and Procedure of the Aṅgāra

Devanagari script

चत्वारः करकाः कार्या भक्ष्यभोज्यसमन्विताः तण्डुलै रक्तशालीयैः पद्मरागैश्च संयुताः //

Transliteration

catvāraḥ karakāḥ kāryā bhakṣyabhojyasamanvitāḥ taṇḍulai raktaśālīyaiḥ padmarāgaiśca saṃyutāḥ //

Translation

Four water-jars (karakas) should be prepared, furnished with foods to eat and foods to be enjoyed; they should be accompanied by grains of red śālī rice and by padmarāga gemstones.

Word by Word

• चत्वारः: four

• करकाः: water-jars/pitchers (ritual vessels)

• कार्या: are to be made/prepared

• भक्ष्यभोज्यसमन्विताः: provided with edibles and prepared foods (snacks and meals)

• तण्डुलैः: with rice-grains

• रक्तशालीयैः: of red śālī rice (a prized rice variety)

• पद्मरागैः: with padmarāga gems (ruby-like/red gemstone)

• च: and

• संयुताः: joined with/accompanied by

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the didactic dialogue style of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dāna-vidhi
• Ritual vessels
• Auspicious offerings
• Rice varieties
• Gemstones in ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on auspicious ritual preparation—specifically the correct arrangement of vessels, food offerings, and valuable accompaniments.

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

It reflects the householder/kingly duty of performing dāna and yajña-supporting acts with proper materials—offering food, staple grains, and valuable items in a prescribed, auspicious manner.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes four karaka vessels prepared with bhakṣya-bhojya, red śālī rice, and padmarāga—an auspicious combination used to enhance the merit and completeness of a ceremonial gift or offering setup.