Shloka 35

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

Devanagari script

एवं विवादः सुमहान् यज्ञस्यासीत्प्रवर्तने ऋषीणां देवतानां च पूर्वे स्वायम्भुवे ऽन्तरे //

Transliteration

evaṃ vivādaḥ sumahān yajñasyāsītpravartane ṛṣīṇāṃ devatānāṃ ca pūrve svāyambhuve 'ntare //

Translation

Thus, a very great dispute arose between the sages (ṛṣi) and the gods concerning the commencement of the sacrifice (yajña), in the former Svāyambhuva Manvantara.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• vivādaḥ: dispute, contention

• sumahān: very great

• yajñasya: of the sacrifice

• āsīt: arose/was

• pravartane: in the commencement/setting in motion

• ṛṣīṇām: of the sages

• devatānām: of the gods

• ca: and

• pūrve: in the earlier/former

• svāyambhuve: pertaining to Svāyambhuva (Manu)

• antare: in the interval/period (i.e., Manvantara).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Svayambhuva Manu
• Rishis
• Devas
• Yajna (Sacrifice)

Tags

• Manvantara
• Yajna
• Devas
• Rishis
• Ritual dispute

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it situates events in the Svāyambhuva Manvantara and highlights how cosmic order is maintained through yajña, even amid conflict between divine and sage communities.

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

It underscores that yajña (sacrificial duty) is foundational to social and cosmic order; for kings and householders, supporting properly instituted rites and resolving disputes around dharma is implied as a key responsibility.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the emphasis on the 'pravartana' (proper commencement) of yajña—suggesting that correct authorization, procedure, and agreement among officiants (ṛṣis) and divine recipients (devas) are essential for a sacrifice to be valid.