Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Jaggery-Cow

Devanagari script

अयने विषुवे पुण्ये व्यतीपाते ऽथवा पुनः गुडधेन्वादयो देयास् तूपरागादिपर्वसु //

Transliteration

ayane viṣuve puṇye vyatīpāte 'thavā punaḥ guḍadhenvādayo deyās tūparāgādiparvasu //

Translation

At the ayanas (solstices), at the sacred viṣuvas (equinoxes), and on the auspicious Vyatīpāta; likewise, on festival occasions such as eclipses and the like, one should give the prescribed gifts—such as the “guḍa-dhenu” (jaggery-cow) and other appointed donations.

Word by Word

• ayana: solstice/half-yearly solar turning (uttarāyaṇa/dakṣiṇāyana)

• viṣuva: equinox, day of equal (sun’s) passage

• puṇye: holy, merit-bestowing

• vyatīpāte: on the Vyatīpāta yoga (an astrologically potent conjunction)

• athavā punaḥ: or again/likewise

• guḍa-dhenvādayaḥ: the jaggery-cow gift and similar symbolic gifts (dānas)

• deyāḥ: should be given

• tu: indeed/especially

• uparāga-ādi-parvasu: on parva days beginning with eclipses (solar/lunar) and related sacred observances.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Vyatipata
• Uparaga (eclipse)
• Ayana
• Vishuva

Tags

• Dana
• Vrata
• Ritual Calendar
• Jyotisha
• Dharma

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead, it teaches dharmic timing—identifying specific cosmic/astronomical junctures (ayana, viṣuva, Vyatīpāta, eclipses) as especially potent for merit through charity.

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

It frames a core duty of householders and rulers: supporting society through timely dāna. By giving on parva days (eclipses, solstices, equinoxes, Vyatīpāta), one is said to amplify puṇya, aligning personal wealth and governance with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual-calendar based rather than architectural: it prescribes high-auspicious times for performing dāna (e.g., guḍadhenu) during eclipses and major solar transitions—key “Matsya Purana ritual timing” guidance.