Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Madana-Dvādaśī Vow and the Birth of the Maruts

Devanagari script

चैत्रे मासि सिते पक्षे द्वादश्यां नियतव्रतः स्थापयेदव्रणं कुम्भं सिततण्डुलपूरितम् //

Transliteration

caitre māsi site pakṣe dvādaśyāṃ niyatavrataḥ sthāpayedavraṇaṃ kumbhaṃ sitataṇḍulapūritam //

Translation

In the month of Caitra, on the twelfth lunar day of the bright fortnight, one disciplined in the vowed observance should set up an unblemished ritual pot (kumbha), filled with white rice-grains.

Word by Word

• चैत्रे मासि: in the month of Caitra

• सिते पक्षे: in the bright fortnight

• द्वादश्याम्: on the twelfth (tithi)

• नियत-व्रतः: one restrained/committed to a vow

• स्थापयेत्: should establish/set up

• अव्रणम्: uninjured, flawless, without defect

• कुम्भम्: pot, ritual pitcher

• सित-तण्डुल-पूरितम्: filled with white rice (grains).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Caitra
• Śukla Pakṣa
• Dvādaśī
• Kumbha

Tags

• Vrata
• Ritual
• Kalpa
• Dāna
• Purāṇic observance

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it prescribes a ritual timing (Caitra śukla-dvādaśī) and the pure setup of a kumbha for a vow-based observance.

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

It models dharmic discipline: a householder (and likewise a king) should undertake vows with restraint and ritual purity, beginning with the proper establishment of a flawless kumbha as part of regulated worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies the kalasha/kumbha installation: the vessel must be defect-free and filled with white rice—standard purity markers in Purāṇic rites that structure the sacred space for worship.