Shloka 15

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

Devanagari script

कामनाम्ना हरेरर्चां स्नापयेद्गन्धवारिणा शुक्लपुष्पाक्षततिलैर् अर्चयेन्मधुसूदनम् //

Transliteration

kāmanāmnā harerarcāṃ snāpayedgandhavāriṇā śuklapuṣpākṣatatilair arcayenmadhusūdanam //

Translation

For the fulfillment of desired aims, one should bathe the image of Lord Hari with scented water, and worship Madhusūdana with white flowers, unbroken rice-grains (akṣata), and sesame seeds.

Word by Word

• कामनाम्ना: for (the rite) named ‘Kāma’, i.e., for attaining desired objects

• हरेरर्चाम्: the worship-image/icon of Hari

• स्नापयेत्: one should bathe (ritually)

• गन्धवारिणा: with fragrant/scented water

• शुक्लपुष्प: white flowers

• अक्षत: unbroken rice-grains (akṣata)

• तिलैः: with sesame seeds

• अर्चयेत्: one should worship

• मधुसूदनम्: Madhusūdana (Vishnu, slayer of Madhu).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (as Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for early Matsya Purana discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Hari
• Madhusudana

Tags

• Puja
• Vishnu
• Abhisheka
• RitualItems
• KamaRite

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on a desire-fulfilling worship procedure (abhisheka and offerings) for Lord Hari.

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

It presents a lawful, scripturally guided method for a householder (and also a king) to pursue legitimate aims (kāma) through disciplined devotion—bathing the deity and offering pure substances rather than seeking ends through adharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes abhiṣeka with scented water and specific offerings—white flowers, akṣata, and sesame—standard temple/home-worship materials used to express purity, auspiciousness, and intended fruition of the rite.