Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Ananta-Tritiya

Devanagari script

नभस्ये वाथ वैशाखे पुण्यमार्गशिरस्य च शुक्लपक्षे तृतीयायां सुस्नातो गौरसर्षपैः //

Transliteration

nabhasye vātha vaiśākhe puṇyamārgaśirasya ca śuklapakṣe tṛtīyāyāṃ susnāto gaurasarṣapaiḥ //

Translation

In the month of Nabhasya, or in Vaiśākha, and also in the auspicious month of Mārgaśīrṣa—on the third lunar day (tṛtīyā) of the bright fortnight—one should bathe thoroughly, using yellow (golden) mustard seeds.

Word by Word

• नभस्ये: in the month Nabhasya (Bhādrapada)

• वा/अथ: or/also

• वैशाखे: in the month Vaiśākha

• पुण्य: auspicious, merit-giving

• मार्गशिरस्य: in (the month of) Mārgaśīrṣa

• च: and

• शुक्लपक्षे: in the bright fortnight

• तृतीयायाम्: on the third lunar day (Tṛtīyā)

• सुस्नातः: having bathed well / properly bathed

• गौरसर्षपैः: with yellow/golden mustard seeds

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, vrata context)

Entities Mentioned

• Nabhasya (Bhādrapada)
• Vaiśākha
• Mārgaśīrṣa
• Śukla-pakṣa
• Tṛtīyā
• Gaurasarṣapa (yellow mustard)

Tags

• Vrata
• Snana
• Tithi
• Sacred Months
• Ritual Purity

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma—timing and method of ritual purification (snāna) for merit.

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

It gives a practical dharma guideline: on specified auspicious months and the bright-fortnight Tṛtīyā, a disciplined person (including householders and rulers) should perform proper bathing as part of regular religious observance and self-purification.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual, not architectural: it prescribes snāna on Śukla Tṛtīyā using yellow mustard seeds, a traditional purifier used in cleansing rites.