Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — The Maheshvara Vow: Śiva-Caturdaśī Vrata

Devanagari script

मार्गशीर्षादिमासेषु क्रमादेतदुदीरयेत् शंकराय नमस्ते ऽस्तु नमस्ते करवीरक //

Transliteration

mārgaśīrṣādimāseṣu kramādetadudīrayet śaṃkarāya namaste 'stu namaste karavīraka //

Translation

Beginning with the month of Mārgaśīrṣa and proceeding through the months in order, one should recite this formula: “Salutations to Śaṅkara! May reverence be offered to you; salutations to you, O Karavīraka.”

Word by Word

• mārgaśīrṣa-ādi-māseṣu: in the months beginning with Mārgaśīrṣa

• kramāt: in sequence, in order

• etat: this (invocation/formula)

• udīrayet: should utter/recite

• śaṃkarāya: to Śaṅkara (Śiva)

• namas-te: salutation to you

• astu: may it be/let it be

• karavīraka: Karavīraka (a name/epithet associated with Śiva

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a ritual/vow teaching section)

Entities Mentioned

• Shankara
• Karavīraka

Tags

• Vrata
• Mantra
• Monthly Ritual
• Shaiva Worship
• Puja

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on a practical ritual instruction—monthly, sequential recitation of a salutation to Śaṅkara.

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

It frames dharma as regular observance: a king or householder is enjoined to maintain disciplined monthly worship through prescribed recitations, supporting personal piety and social-religious order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it prescribes a month-by-month (kramāt) liturgical utterance—an example of Matsya Purana’s puja-prayoga style instructions for Śiva devotion.