Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Ravi-Śayana

Devanagari script

उमामहेश्वरस्यार्चाम् अर्चयेत्सूर्यनामभिः सूर्यार्चां शिवलिङ्गे च प्रकुर्वन् पूजयेद्यतः //

Transliteration

umāmaheśvarasyārcām arcayetsūryanāmabhiḥ sūryārcāṃ śivaliṅge ca prakurvan pūjayedyataḥ //

Translation

One should worship the sacred image of Umā and Maheśvara by reciting the names of Sūrya; and, performing the worship of Sūrya upon the Śiva-liṅga as well, one should duly offer reverence, for this method is enjoined as efficacious.

Word by Word

• umā-maheśvarasya: of Umā and Maheśvara (Śiva with Pārvatī)

• arcām: the worship-image/icon (or act of worship)

• arcayet: one should worship

• sūrya-nāmabhiḥ: with the names of Sūrya (Sun-god)

• sūrya-arcām: worship of Sūrya / a Sun-offering

• śiva-liṅge: on the Śiva-liṅga

• ca: and

• prakurvan: performing, carrying out

• pūjayet: one should venerate/worship

• yataḥ: therefore/for this reason (as a stated rationale).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructional discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, ritual-vidhi section)

Entities Mentioned

• Umā
• Maheśvara (Śiva)
• Sūrya
• Śiva-liṅga

Tags

• Pūjā-vidhi
• Śiva–Sūrya syncretism
• Mantra-nāma-japa
• Iconography
• Temple ritual

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to a ritual-vidhi passage, teaching a specific method of worship that links Sūrya-nāma recitation with devotion to Umā–Maheśvara and the Śiva-liṅga.

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

It prescribes a practical devotional duty (nitya/naimittika pūjā): a householder or king may honor Śiva (with Umā) using Sūrya’s names and may offer Sūrya-worship upon the liṅga—reflecting the Purāṇic ideal of maintaining personal and public dharma through regulated temple/home worship.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it authorizes a syncretic procedure: Sūrya-nāma-japa and Sūrya-arcā can be integrated into Śiva-liṅga worship, implying coordinated liturgy within temple practice (liṅga as the ritual locus for offerings and mantra-based praise).