Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Ravi-Śayana

Devanagari script

इत्येवं द्विज नक्तानि कृत्वा दद्यात् पुनर्वसौ शालेयतण्डुलप्रस्थम् औदुम्बरमये घृतम् //

Transliteration

ityevaṃ dvija naktāni kṛtvā dadyāt punarvasau śāleyataṇḍulaprastham audumbaramaye ghṛtam //

Translation

Thus, O twice-born one (dvija), after performing the night-observances (nakta), on the day of Punarvasu one should give as a gift a prastha-measure of fine śāli rice, and ghee (ghṛta) placed in a vessel made of udumbara wood.

Word by Word

• iti evam: thus, in this manner

• dvija: O twice-born (Brahmin/initiated person)

• naktāni: night-observances/fasts taken at night (nakta-vrata)

• kṛtvā: having performed

• dadyāt: should give (as charity)

• punarvasau: on (the lunar asterism/day of) Punarvasu

• śāleya: made of śāli (fine rice)

• taṇḍula: rice grain

• prastham: a prastha measure (a standard dry measure)

• audumbaramaye: made of udumbara wood (Ficus racemosa)

• ghṛtam: clarified butter (ghee).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (with instruction framed for a dvija)

Entities Mentioned

• Punarvasu
• Dvija
• Udumbara
• Ghrita
• Shali rice

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Dāna
• Nakta
• Ritual calendar

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma practice—specifically, completing nakta observances and then giving a prescribed donation.

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

It presents a householder-style duty: disciplined observance (vrata) followed by dāna. The emphasis is on merit through regulated conduct and charitable giving timed to an auspicious lunar asterism (Punarvasu).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual specificity lies in materials and measure: a prastha of śāli rice and ghee in an udumbara-wood vessel—showing how Matsya Purana prescribes exact items, timing, and ritual-grade substances for dāna.