Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Jaggery-Cow

Devanagari script

कृष्णाजिनं चतुर्हस्तं प्राग्ग्रीवं विन्यसेद्भुवि गोमयेनानुलिप्तायां दर्भानास्तीर्य सर्वतः //

Transliteration

kṛṣṇājinaṃ caturhastaṃ prāggrīvaṃ vinyasedbhuvi gomayenānuliptāyāṃ darbhānāstīrya sarvataḥ //

Translation

On the ground, first smeared with cow-dung, one should spread darbha grass on all sides and then place a black antelope-skin measuring four hands in length, with its neck-end oriented toward the east.

Word by Word

• kṛṣṇājinam: black antelope-skin

• catur-hastam: of four hands (cubits) in measure

• prāk-grīvam: with the neck-end toward the east

• vinyaset: one should place/arrange

• bhuvi: on the ground

• gomayena: with cow-dung

• anuliptāyām: when (the ground) has been smeared/plastered

• darbhān: darbha (kuśa) grasses

• āstīrya: having spread

• sarvataḥ: on all sides/everywhere

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• darbha (kuśa grass)
• kṛṣṇājina (black antelope-skin)
• cow-dung (gomaya)
• east (prācī)

Tags

• Ritual
• Purification
• Vastu
• Āsana
• Orientation

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it gives practical ritual directions for preparing a purified worship space and seat.

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

It reflects the dharmic duty of maintaining purity and correct procedure in daily/occasional rites—guidance applicable to householders and rulers performing sanctioned worship and vows.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It prescribes a standard consecrated setup: purified ground (gomaya), protective/auspicious darbha spread, and an east-oriented āsana (kṛṣṇājina) with a specified measure—key ritual and Vastu-alignment principles.