Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — The Greatness and Procedure of the Aṅgāra

Devanagari script

प्रदक्षिणं ततः कृत्वा विसर्ज्य द्विजपुंगवम् नक्तमक्षारलवणम् अश्नीयाद्घृतसंयुतम् //

Transliteration

pradakṣiṇaṃ tataḥ kṛtvā visarjya dvijapuṃgavam naktamakṣāralavaṇam aśnīyādghṛtasaṃyutam //

Translation

Then, having circumambulated respectfully and having taken leave of that foremost Brahmin, one should eat a night-meal consisting of grains without alkaline additives, with salt, and mixed with ghee.

Word by Word

• pradakṣiṇam: respectful circumambulation (clockwise)

• tataḥ: thereafter

• kṛtvā: having done

• visarjya: having dismissed/taken leave

• dvija-puṅgavam: the foremost Brahmin (twice-born)

• naktam: at night / a night-meal (taken once at night)

• akṣāra: without kṣāra (alkali/alkaline seasoning)

• lavaṇam: with salt

• aśnīyāt: one should eat

• ghṛta-saṃyutam: combined with ghee

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharmic observances)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (Brahmin)
• Ghee (Ghṛta)
• Salt (Lavaṇa)
• Kṣāra (alkaline substance)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Ritual etiquette
• Dietary rule
• Brahmin honoring

FAQs

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

It does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dharmic ritual etiquette and dietary restraint after honoring a Brahmin.

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

It teaches disciplined conduct—showing respect to learned Brahmins (pradakṣiṇā and proper leave-taking) and maintaining regulated, sāttvika food habits (a simple night-meal with ghee), which are core householder and royal dharma practices.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes the sequence: honor the Brahmin, circumambulate respectfully, then take a controlled meal (naktabhojana) with specified ingredients—indicating purity-focused rules often associated with vrata and ceremonial observances.