Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Kalyāṇa-Saptamī

Devanagari script

ततस्त्रयोदशे मासि गा वै दद्यात्त्रयोदश वस्त्रालंकारसंयुक्ताः सुवर्णास्याः पयस्विनीः //

Transliteration

tatastrayodaśe māsi gā vai dadyāttrayodaśa vastrālaṃkārasaṃyuktāḥ suvarṇāsyāḥ payasvinīḥ //

Translation

Then, in the thirteenth month, one should indeed give thirteen cows—each adorned with garments and ornaments—milch cows whose faces are decorated with gold.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• trayodaśe māsi: in the thirteenth month

• gāḥ: cows

• vai: indeed

• dadyāt: should give (as a gift)

• trayodaśa: thirteen

• vastra-alaṃkāra-saṃyuktāḥ: furnished with clothes and ornaments

• suvarṇa-āsyāḥ: having gold (decoration) on the face/muzzle

• payasvinīḥ: milk-yielding, milch cows

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s dāna-vidhi discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Go-dāna (gift of cows)
• Dāna (charity)

Tags

• Dāna
• Go-dāna
• Vrata
• Householder Dharma
• Ritual Gifts

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it prescribes a dāna (charitable) rite—specifically the gifting of thirteen ornamented milch cows in a timed observance.

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

It presents a householder/royal duty of dāna-dharma: structured giving at a specified time, emphasizing generosity with valuable, life-sustaining gifts (milch cows) enhanced by respectful adornment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the prescribed form of go-dāna: the number (thirteen), the timing (thirteenth month), and the proper presentation (cows with garments, ornaments, and gold facial decoration).