Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — The Maheshvara Vow: Śiva-Caturdaśī Vrata

Devanagari script

ताम्रपात्रोपरि पुनः शालितण्डुलसंयुतम् स्थाप्य विप्राय शान्ताय वेदव्रतपराय च //

Transliteration

tāmrapātropari punaḥ śālitaṇḍulasaṃyutam sthāpya viprāya śāntāya vedavrataparāya ca //

Translation

Again, placing the offering upon a copper vessel together with grains of rice, one should present it to a peaceful brāhmaṇa—one devoted to Vedic observances and sacred vows.

Word by Word

• tāmra-pātra-upari: upon a copper vessel

• punaḥ: again/further

• śāli-taṇḍula-saṃyutam: accompanied with rice grains (husked rice)

• sthāpya: having placed/setting down

• viprāya: to a brāhmaṇa

• śāntāya: calm, self-restrained, peaceful

• veda-vrata-parāya: devoted to Vedic vows/observances

• ca: and

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s dharma instructions; the teaching is traditionally framed as Matsya’s guidance to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brāhmaṇa
• Veda
• Vrata

Tags

• Dāna
• Ritual procedure
• Householder Dharma
• Brāhmaṇa
• Vedic vows

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically the correct procedure for making a gift (dāna) using a copper vessel and rice, and the proper recipient.

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

It instructs the giver (especially a householder, and by extension a king who performs public charity) to make offerings in a ritually proper manner and to choose a worthy recipient: a calm, self-disciplined brāhmaṇa devoted to Vedic vows.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the prescribed offering protocol: placing the gift on a copper vessel (tāmra-pātra) along with rice grains, emphasizing purity, correct materials, and eligibility of the recipient.