Shloka 30

Matsya Purana — The Origin of Yajña in Tretā Yuga and the Debate on Animal Sacrifice vs. Non-...

Devanagari script

तस्मान्न हिंसायज्ञं च प्रशंसन्ति महर्षयः उञ्छं मूलं फलं शाकम् उदपात्रं तपोधनाः //

Transliteration

tasmānna hiṃsāyajñaṃ ca praśaṃsanti maharṣayaḥ uñchaṃ mūlaṃ phalaṃ śākam udapātraṃ tapodhanāḥ //

Translation

Therefore the great ṛṣis—rich in tapas—commend yajñas free from violence, and also the ascetic’s simple supports: gleaned grains (uñcha), roots, fruits, vegetables, and a single water-vessel.

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore

• na: not

• hiṃsā-yajñam: a sacrifice involving violence/animal-killing

• ca: and

• praśaṃsanti: praise/commend

• maharṣayaḥ: great sages

• uñcham: gleaning (collecting leftover grains)

• mūlam: roots

• phalam: fruits

• śākam: greens/vegetables

• uda-pātram: water-vessel (pot for water)

• tapaḥ-dhanāḥ: those whose wealth is austerity (ascetics)

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma (chapter-level discourse attribution)

Entities Mentioned

• Maharshis (great sages)
• Ascetics (tapodhanas)

Tags

• Ahimsa
• Dharma
• Yajna
• Asceticism
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it presents a dharmic ethic—endorsing non-violent sacrifice and austere, minimal living as spiritually superior.

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

It guides rulers and householders toward dharmic governance and ritual practice by valuing ahiṃsā (non-injury): patronize or perform rites that avoid harm, and honor ascetics who live on gleaning and simple foods rather than exploitative means.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prioritizes ahiṃsā-yajña (non-violent forms of sacrifice) and highlights the ascetic’s minimal ritual paraphernalia—especially the udapātra (water vessel)—as sufficient for a disciplined religious life.