Shloka 46

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

Devanagari script

दानशीला तृतीयायां पार्वण्यं नक्तमाचरेत् इतिवृत्ता भवेन्नारी विशेषेण तु गर्भिणी //

Transliteration

dānaśīlā tṛtīyāyāṃ pārvaṇyaṃ naktamācaret itivṛttā bhavennārī viśeṣeṇa tu garbhiṇī //

Translation

On the third lunar day (tṛtīyā), a woman devoted to charity should observe the parvan rite by eating only at night (naktabhojana). Thus a woman becomes well-conducted in her vows—especially if she is pregnant.

Word by Word

• दान-शीला: devoted to charity

• तृतीयायाम्: on the third (tithi)

• पार्वण्यम्: the parvan-related observance/rite (linked to lunar junctions/holy fortnight days)

• नक्तम्: at night / night-only (meal)

• आचरेत्: should practice/observe

• इति-वृत्ता: of such conduct / living by this rule

• भवेत्: becomes/should be

• नारी: woman

• विशेषेण: especially

• तु: indeed

• गर्भिणी: pregnant woman

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Women (nārī)
• Pregnant woman (garbhiṇī)

Tags

• Vrata
• Parvan
• Tithi
• Nakta-bhojana
• Garbhinī-dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma—timed ritual conduct tied to lunar days (tithi) and parvan observances.

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

It gives householder-style ethical and ritual guidance: charity (dāna) plus regulated eating as a discipline on specific tithis, emphasizing social-religious order that a king and householders are expected to uphold.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: observing a parvan-related vow on tṛtīyā with night-only eating (naktam) and charitable disposition, with special care prescribed for pregnant women.