Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — The Rite and Glory of Meru-Dāna: The Tenfold ‘Gift of Meru’ and Mountain-Offe...

Devanagari script

स्वमन्त्रेणैव सर्वेषु होमः शैलेषु पठ्यते उपवासी भवेन्नित्यम् अशक्ते नक्तमिष्यते //

Transliteration

svamantreṇaiva sarveṣu homaḥ śaileṣu paṭhyate upavāsī bhavennityam aśakte naktamiṣyate //

Translation

In all such cases, the fire-offering (homa) is to be performed using only one’s own prescribed mantra; this rule is taught for the sacred hill-shrines. One should regularly keep a fast; but if one is unable, eating only at night is permitted.

Word by Word

• sva-mantreṇa: with one’s own (appointed) mantra

• eva: indeed/only

• sarveṣu: in all (rites/instances)

• homaḥ: fire-offering

• śaileṣu: on mountains/at hill-shrines

• paṭhyate: is stated/taught

• upavāsī: one who fasts

• bhavet: should be

• nityam: always/regularly

• aśakte: when unable

• naktam: night-meal/once at night

• iṣyate: is approved/allowed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, typical dialogue frame of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Homa
• Mantra
• Shaila (hill shrine)

Tags

• Ritual
• Homa
• Vrata
• Fasting
• Temple practice

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on ritual discipline—how to perform homa with one’s assigned mantra and what fasting observances are acceptable.

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

It frames a practical dharma for practitioners: perform homa according to one’s authorized mantra and maintain regular austerity (fasting), with a compassionate allowance (night-only meal) when full fasting is not possible.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it specifies homa procedure and vrata (upavāsa/nakta) especially in śaila-kshetras (hill shrines), aligning temple worship with disciplined mantra-use and regulated diet.