Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Jaggery-Cow

Devanagari script

या लक्ष्मीः सर्वभूतानां या च देवेष्ववस्थिता धेनुरूपेण सा देवी मम शान्तिं प्रयच्छतु //

Transliteration

yā lakṣmīḥ sarvabhūtānāṃ yā ca deveṣvavasthitā dhenurūpeṇa sā devī mama śāntiṃ prayacchatu //

Translation

May that Lakṣmī—who abides in all beings and is established among the gods—she who appears in the form of the cow, grant me peace.

Word by Word

• yā: who/that

• lakṣmīḥ: Lakshmi (fortune, auspiciousness)

• sarva-bhūtānām: of all beings

• yā ca: and who

• deveṣu: among the gods

• avasthitā: abiding/established

• dhenu-rūpeṇa: in the form of a cow

• sā devī: that goddess

• mama: to me/my

• śāntim: peace, pacification

• prayacchatu: may she grant/bestow

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (as a devotional petitioner within the Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakshmi
• Devas
• Dhenu (sacred cow)

Tags

• Shanti
• Lakshmi
• Cow symbolism
• Stuti
• Ritual prayer

FAQs

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

It does not narrate pralaya directly; instead, it presents Lakṣmī as an all-pervading principle of auspicious order whose blessing brings śānti (pacification), a stabilizing counterforce to fear and upheaval.

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

By invoking Lakṣmī as present in all beings, the verse supports dharmic conduct—reverence for life, generosity, and protection of cows and dependents—qualities expected of both kings (as protectors) and householders (as sustainers of social and ritual prosperity).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it functions as a śānti-invocation: Lakṣmī is invoked in dhenu-rūpa, echoing cow-centered auspicious rites (go-sevā, go-dāna, and peace-prayers) used to secure welfare and remove obstacles before major ceremonies.