Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Rite of Donating the ‘Mountain of Ghee’

Devanagari script

शालितण्डुलपात्राणि कुम्भोपरि निवेशयेत् कारयेत्संहतानुच्चान् यथाशोभं विधानतः //

Transliteration

śālitaṇḍulapātrāṇi kumbhopari niveśayet kārayetsaṃhatānuccān yathāśobhaṃ vidhānataḥ //

Translation

One should place the bowls containing rice-grains upon the ritual pot (kumbha), arranging them compactly and slightly raised, according to the prescribed method, so that the arrangement appears auspicious and pleasing.

Word by Word

• शालितण्डुल (śālitaṇḍula): rice grains (husked rice)

• पात्राणि (pātrāṇi): bowls/vessels

• कुम्भोपरि (kumbhopari): upon/above the kumbha (ritual pot)

• निवेशयेत् (niveśayet): should place/position

• कारयेत् (kārayet): should arrange/cause to be made

• संहतान् (saṃhatān): compact/closely set

• उच्चान् (uccān): raised/elevated

• यथाशोभम् (yathāśobham): as is fittingly beautiful/auspicious in appearance

• विधानतः (vidhānataḥ): according to rule/prescription.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within Vastu/ritual procedural teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Kumbha (ritual pot)
• Śāli-taṇḍula (rice grains)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Ritual Procedure
• Kalasha/Kumbha
• Temple Rituals
• Offerings

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives a Vastu/ritual instruction on orderly placement of offering vessels (rice bowls) on a kumbha for auspiciousness.

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

It reflects the duty to perform rites with precision and śobha (auspicious propriety); kings and householders are expected to follow prescribed procedure in consecrations and worship to uphold dharma and public well-being.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a practical ritual layout: rice-filled vessels should be set atop the kumbha, compactly and in an elevated, aesthetically auspicious arrangement—an applied Vastu/prayoga rule for ceremonial setups.