Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — The Kalyāṇa-Saptamī

Devanagari script

प्रातर्गव्येन पयसा स्नानमस्यां समाचरेत् ततः शुक्लाम्बरः पद्मम् अक्षताभिः प्रकल्पयेत् //

Transliteration

prātargavyena payasā snānamasyāṃ samācaret tataḥ śuklāmbaraḥ padmam akṣatābhiḥ prakalpayet //

Translation

In the morning one should bathe here with cow’s milk; then, clad in white garments, one should prepare a lotus offering with unbroken rice grains (akṣata).

Word by Word

• prātaḥ: in the morning

• gavyena: from a cow / bovine

• payasā: with milk

• snānam: bath

• asyām: in this (rite/observance/place)

• samācaret: should duly perform

• tataḥ: thereafter

• śukla-ambaraḥ: wearing white clothing

• padmam: a lotus (offering/arrangement)

• akṣatābhiḥ: with akṣata, unbroken rice grains

• prakalpayet: should arrange/prepare.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, ritual-vidhi context)

Entities Mentioned

• Akshata (unbroken rice)
• Padma (lotus)
• Gavya payas (cow’s milk)

Tags

• Ritual Bath
• Purification
• Puja Vidhi
• Temple Ritual
• Vastuvidya

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it prescribes ritual purity—morning bathing with cow’s milk and preparing offerings—reflecting the Purana’s focus on dharmic observance rather than cosmic dissolution in this passage.

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

It outlines a standard of daily religious discipline: purification (snāna), cleanliness (white garments), and correct offering materials (akṣata, lotus), duties expected of householders and rulers alike when performing worship or sponsoring temple rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies consecrated materials used in pūjā—cow’s milk for purification, white clothing as a purity marker, and lotus/akṣata for offering setup—typical of Matsya Purana-style temple and icon worship procedures.