Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Kalyāṇa-Saptamī

Devanagari script

शर्करासप्तमीं पुण्यां तथा कमलसप्तमीम् मन्दारसप्तमीं तद्वच् छुभदां शुभसप्तमीम् //

Transliteration

śarkarāsaptamīṃ puṇyāṃ tathā kamalasaptamīm mandārasaptamīṃ tadvac chubhadāṃ śubhasaptamīm //

Translation

Likewise, one should observe the meritorious Śarkarā-saptamī (Sugar-Saptamī), the Kamala-saptamī (Lotus-Saptamī), the Mandāra-saptamī, and similarly the auspicious, boon-bestowing Śubha-saptamī.

Word by Word

• śarkarā-saptamīm: the ‘Sugar Saptamī’ observance (7th lunar day rite)

• puṇyām: meritorious/holy

• tathā: likewise/also

• kamala-saptamīm: the ‘Lotus Saptamī’ observance

• mandāra-saptamīm: the ‘Mandāra (coral tree/mandāra flower) Saptamī’ observance

• tadvat: in the same manner

• śubha-dām: bestowing auspiciousness/benefits

• śubha-saptamīm: the ‘Śubha Saptamī’ observance (auspicious seventh-day rite).

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing prescribed vratas within the Matsya Purana’s ritual section (likely as part of the Matsya–Manu teaching cycle transmitted through narration).

Tags

• Vrata
• Saptami
• Ritual
• Dharma
• Punya

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it enumerates specific Saptamī (seventh lunar day) vratas, emphasizing ritual merit (puṇya) and auspicious results.

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

It supports the householder’s dharma through calendrical observances: performing named Saptamī vratas is presented as a practical means to cultivate merit and auspicious outcomes, a model also applicable to rulers who uphold public dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (vrata) rather than architectural: the verse lists themed Saptamī observances (Sugar, Lotus, Mandāra, Śubha) understood as distinct devotional/ritual modes aimed at generating auspicious merit.