Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Greatness and Procedure of the Sarva-Phala-Tyaga Vrata

Devanagari script

रक्तालुकाकन्दकं च कनकाह्वं च चिर्भिटम् चित्रवल्लीफलं तद्वत् कूटशाल्मलिजं फलम् //

Transliteration

raktālukākandakaṃ ca kanakāhvaṃ ca cirbhiṭam citravallīphalaṃ tadvat kūṭaśālmalijaṃ phalam //

Translation

Also (there are) the red yam-tuber, the tuber called Kanakāhva, and cirbhiṭa (a gourd-like vegetable); likewise the fruit of the Citravallī creeper, and the fruit produced from the Kūṭa-śālmali tree.

Word by Word

• rakta-ālukā: red yam / red tuber

• kandakam: bulb/tuber (edible root)

• ca: and

• kanakāhvaṃ: ‘called Kanakāhva’ (a named tuber/plant)

• cirbhiṭam: cirbhiṭa (a gourd/cucumber-type vegetable, identification varies by region)

• citra-vallī-phalam: fruit of the Citravallī creeper

• tadvat: likewise/so too

• kūṭa-śālmali-jam: produced from the Kūṭa-śālmali (a variety/‘false’ śālmali/silk-cotton type tree)

• phalam: fruit

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a descriptive/cataloguing passage)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Householder-dharma
• Ritual supplies
• Botanical lists
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it is a practical catalogue of edible tubers, vegetables, and fruits, reflecting the Purana’s encyclopedic household-and-ritual orientation.

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

By naming specific edible roots and fruits, it supports the householder’s duties of proper sustenance, hospitality, and readiness for offerings—ensuring correct identification of food items used in daily life and rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is indirect: accurate plant/produce identification helps in selecting suitable items for naivedya (food offerings) and domestic rituals that accompany temple/household practice described elsewhere in the Matsya Purana.