Shloka 21

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

Devanagari script

शक्तितस् त्रीणि चैकं वा वस्त्रमाल्यानुलेपनैः शयनस्थानि पूज्यानि नमो ऽस्तु जलशायिने //

Transliteration

śaktitas trīṇi caikaṃ vā vastramālyānulepanaiḥ śayanasthāni pūjyāni namo 'stu jalaśāyine //

Translation

According to one’s capacity, with three offerings or even with a single one—such as cloth, garlands, and unguents—the deity’s resting-places (beds/couches) should be worshipped. Salutations to the One who lies upon the waters.

Word by Word

• śaktitas: according to one’s ability

• trīṇi: three

• ca: and

• ekam: one (single offering)

• vā: or

• vastra: cloth/garment

• mālya: garland

• anulepanaiḥ: with unguents/pastes (sandal etc.)

• śayana-sthāni: resting-places/beds/couches

• pūjyāni: are to be worshipped/honoured

• namaḥ astu: let there be salutations

• jala-śāyine: to the Water-Reclining One (Vishnu/Nārāyaṇa).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya Purana’s teaching dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Jalaśāyin (Vishnu/Nārāyaṇa)
• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Temple ritual
• Icon worship
• Upachara
• Narayana

FAQs

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

By praising the “Water-Reclining” Lord (Jalaśāyin), the verse alludes to Vishnu’s cosmic aspect associated with the primordial waters—an image often linked to pralaya symbolism—though the verse itself focuses on ritual worship rather than narrating dissolution.

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

It teaches accessible dharma: worship should be performed “according to capacity,” meaning a householder or ruler may offer three items or even one, without neglecting devotion—emphasizing sincerity and regularity over extravagance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes honoring the deity’s śayana-sthāna (bed/resting-couch) as part of temple or household pūjā, using standard upacāras like cloth, garlands, and anointing pastes—relevant to icon-service (arcana) protocols within Matsya Purana’s Vastu/ritual guidance.