Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

अशक्तस्तु फलान्येव यथोक्तानि विधानतः तथोदकुम्भसंयुक्तौ शिवधर्मौ च काञ्चनौ //

Transliteration

aśaktastu phalānyeva yathoktāni vidhānataḥ tathodakumbhasaṃyuktau śivadharmau ca kāñcanau //

Translation

But if one is unable to give the primary prescribed gifts, one should offer fruits alone, exactly as stated and according to the proper procedure; likewise, one should present two golden items—an auspicious water-pot (udaka-kumbha) together with the gifts called Śiva and Dharma.

Word by Word

• aśaktaḥ: one who is unable (financially/physically)

• tu: but

• phalāni: fruits

• eva: only/indeed

• yathoktāni: as prescribed/said earlier

• vidhānataḥ: according to rule and ritual procedure

• tathā: likewise/so also

• udaka-kumbha: water-pot (ritual pitcher)

• saṃyuktau: joined/combined/together

• śiva-dharmau: (gifts named) Śiva and Dharma / auspiciousness and righteousness (as dāna-items)

• ca: and

• kāñcanau: two golden (objects)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Śiva
• Dharma
• Udaka-kumbha

Tags

• Dāna
• Ritual Procedure
• Householder Dharma
• Substitute Offerings
• Puranic Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dāna-dharma—how to perform prescribed charitable offerings, including acceptable substitutions when one lacks resources.

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

It teaches practical dharma: even if a householder (or ruler) cannot afford major gifts, merit is still gained by giving simpler substitutes like fruits, performed with correct intention and procedure, and by making sanctioned symbolic donations such as the water-pot and the Śiva–Dharma gifts.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance lies in the udaka-kumbha (water-pot), a standard auspicious donation used in rites to symbolize life-sustaining waters and completeness; the verse also highlights that correct vidhāna (procedure) matters as much as the material value of the gift.