Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Viśoka-Dvādaśī: A Lakṣmī–Viṣṇu Vow for Sorrow-Removal and P...

Devanagari script

नदीवालुकया शूर्पे लक्ष्म्याः प्रतिकृतिं न्यसेत् स्थण्डिले शूर्पमारोप्य लक्ष्मीमित्यर्चयेद्बुधः //

Transliteration

nadīvālukayā śūrpe lakṣmyāḥ pratikṛtiṃ nyaset sthaṇḍile śūrpamāropya lakṣmīmityarcayedbudhaḥ //

Translation

Using river-sand, one should form and place an image (or representation) of Lakṣmī in a winnowing basket (śūrpa). Setting the basket upon the prepared ritual ground (sthaṇḍila), the wise person should worship her with the invocation, “Lakṣmī.”

Word by Word

• nadī-vālukayā: with river-sand

• śūrpe: in/on a winnowing basket

• lakṣmyāḥ: of Lakṣmī

• pratikṛtim: a likeness/representation (image)

• nyaset: should place/establish

• sthaṇḍile: on a prepared (ritual) ground/altar-space

• śūrpam: the winnowing basket

• āropya: having set/placed (upon)

• lakṣmīm iti: with the word/mantra “Lakṣmī”

• arcayet: should worship

• budhaḥ: a wise/learned person

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu the procedure of a Lakṣmī-related rite)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakṣmī

Tags

• Lakshmi Puja
• Vrata
• Ritual Procedure
• Householder Dharma
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on a practical ritual act—installing a simple Lakṣmī representation made from river-sand and performing worship.

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

It reflects the householder’s dharma of regular śrī-upāsanā (prosperity-oriented worship) done with accessible materials, emphasizing orderly preparation (sthaṇḍila) and disciplined invocation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies the upakaraṇa (śūrpa) and the sthāpanā (placing the image on a prepared ground), showing a standardized pūjā-setup that parallels Vastu-like concern for a properly prepared worship space.