Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Maheshvara Vow: Śiva-Caturdaśī Vrata

Devanagari script

चतुर्दशीषु सर्वासु कुर्यात्पूर्ववदर्चनम् ये तु मासे विशेषाः स्युस् तान्निबोध क्रमादिह //

Transliteration

caturdaśīṣu sarvāsu kuryātpūrvavadarcanam ye tu māse viśeṣāḥ syus tānnibodha kramādiha //

Translation

On every Caturdaśī (the fourteenth lunar day), one should perform worship exactly as previously described. Now, as for the special distinctions that arise month by month, understand them here in proper sequence.

Word by Word

• चतुर्दशीषु (caturdaśīṣu): on the Caturdaśī days (14th lunar tithi)

• सर्वासु (sarvāsu): in all (of them)

• कुर्यात् (kuryāt): one should do/perform

• पूर्ववत् (pūrvavat): as before, according to the earlier method

• अर्चनम् (arcanam): worship, ritual offering

• ये (ye): which

• तु (tu): indeed/however

• मासे (māse): in (each) month

• विशेषाः (viśeṣāḥ): special features, particular rules

• स्युः (syuḥ): may be/occur

• तान् (tān): those

• निबोध (nibodha): understand, learn

• क्रमात् (kramāt): in order, sequentially

• इह (iha): here (in this teaching).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Caturdaśī (tithi)

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Ritual
• Tithi
• Monthly Observances

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma—how worship should be performed on the Caturdaśī tithi and how month-specific rules will be listed sequentially.

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

It frames a regular religious duty: maintaining consistent worship on recurring lunar days (Caturdaśī), while also observing month-by-month ritual distinctions—guidance applicable to householders and rulers who uphold dharma through public and private rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual-procedural: worship on every Caturdaśī should follow the previously taught method, and additional month-specific variations are to be followed in proper order.