Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Jaggery-Cow

Devanagari script

नवनीतेन रत्नैश्च तथान्ये तु महर्षयः एतदेवंविधानं स्यात् त एवोपस्कराः स्मृताः //

Transliteration

navanītena ratnaiśca tathānye tu maharṣayaḥ etadevaṃvidhānaṃ syāt ta evopaskarāḥ smṛtāḥ //

Translation

With fresh butter (navanīta) and with gems (ratna)—and likewise with other such offerings, O great sages—when the procedure is of this kind, these very items are traditionally remembered as the requisite implements (upaskaras) for the rite.

Word by Word

• navanītena: with fresh butter/clarified dairy offering

• ratnaiḥ: with gems/jewels

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• anye: other (items/offerings)

• tu: indeed

• maharṣayaḥ: O great sages

• etat: this

• evaṃ-vidhānam: of such a prescribed type/manner

• syāt: should be/is to be

• te: they

• eva: precisely/only

• upaskarāḥ: requisites/ritual implements and appurtenances

• smṛtāḥ: are remembered/declared in tradition

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu; addressed to the assembled sages in the narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Maharishis
• Upaskaras

Tags

• Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips
• Ritual requisites
• Temple offerings
• Iconography support materials
• Dharma of worship

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on classifying certain offerings/materials (like butter and gems) as recognized ritual requisites (upaskaras).

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

It supports the duty of proper, rule-based worship and patronage: a king or householder should provide prescribed materials for rites and consecrations, treating them as essential requisites rather than optional luxuries.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It defines items such as fresh butter and gems (and similar materials) as upaskaras—standard requisites used to complete rituals associated with sacred works, including temple/altar rites and related consecratory procedures.