Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Kauśika Descendants: Śrāddha

Devanagari script

विना गवा वत्सको ऽपि गुरवे विनिवेदितः व्याघ्रेण निहता धेनुर् वत्सो ऽयं प्रतिगृह्यताम् //

Transliteration

vinā gavā vatsako 'pi gurave viniveditaḥ vyāghreṇa nihatā dhenur vatso 'yaṃ pratigṛhyatām //

Translation

Even without the cow, the calf has been presented to the teacher: the milch-cow was slain by a tiger—please accept this calf.

Word by Word

• vinā: without

• gavā: the cow (instrumental, ‘with the cow’ / ‘along with the cow’)

• vatsakaḥ: the calf

• api: even/also

• gurave: to the guru/teacher

• viniveditaḥ: has been formally offered/presented

• vyāghreṇa: by a tiger

• nihatā: killed/slain

• dhenuḥ: the milch-cow

• vatsaḥ: the calf

• ayam: this

• pratigṛhyatām: may (it) be accepted/please accept

Speaker

• Narrator (Sūta tradition) recounting an exemplary statement made to a Guru (teacher) within a dharma-illustration

Entities Mentioned

• Guru
• Tiger (Vyāghra)
• Dhenu (milch-cow)
• Vatsa (calf)

Tags

• Dharma
• Guru-seva
• Ethics
• Offerings
• Conduct

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it illustrates everyday dharma—truthful reporting of circumstances and maintaining one’s obligation to the guru even when loss occurs.

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

It models integrity and responsibility: when an intended gift or obligation cannot be fulfilled as planned, one should honestly explain the cause and still offer what remains, preserving duty and trust—principles applicable to rulers and householders alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is ethical correctness in offerings (dāna/arpana)—making a sincere, truthful presentation rather than concealing loss.