Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Ravi-Śayana

Devanagari script

भाजनोपानहछत्त्रचामरासनदर्पणैः भूषणैरपि संयुक्तां फलवस्त्रानुलेपनैः //

Transliteration

bhājanopānahachattracāmarāsanadarpaṇaiḥ bhūṣaṇairapi saṃyuktāṃ phalavastrānulepanaiḥ //

Translation

Along with vessels, footwear, a parasol, a chāmara (fly-whisk), a seat, and a mirror—also furnished with ornaments—the gift should be accompanied by fruits, garments, and unguents (anulepana), such as fragrant pastes.

Word by Word

• bhājana: vessels/utensils

• upānaha: footwear/sandals

• chattra: parasol/umbrella (royal shade)

• cāmara: yak-tail fly-whisk (ceremonial fan)

• āsana: seat/throne-seat

• darpaṇa: mirror

• bhūṣaṇa: ornaments/jewellery

• api: also

• saṃyuktām: joined with/accompanied by (fem. acc.)

• phala: fruits

• vastra: garments/clothing

• anulepana: unguents/sandal-paste/fragrant application

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching as instructed by Lord Matsya in the Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya Purana
• Dāna (charity)

Tags

• Dana
• Dharma
• Ritual gifts
• Householder duties
• Merit

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to dāna-dharma and specifies auspicious items that should accompany a charitable gift to increase religious merit.

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

It reflects the householder/kingly duty of dāna: gifts should be complete and respectful—paired with useful and auspicious accessories (clothing, fruits, unguents, ornaments), indicating generosity and proper ritual decorum.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is in the completeness of the donation: items like chattra, cāmara, āsana, and darpaṇa are ceremonial/royal accoutrements, implying that donations may be made in a formally honored manner (especially when gifting to priests/guests).