Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Vibhūti-Dvādaśī Vow

Devanagari script

यश्चाप्यतीव निःस्वः स्याद् भक्तिमान्माधवं प्रति पुष्पार्चनविधानेन स कुर्याद्वत्सरद्वयम् //

Transliteration

yaścāpyatīva niḥsvaḥ syād bhaktimānmādhavaṃ prati puṣpārcanavidhānena sa kuryādvatsaradvayam //

Translation

Even one who is extremely destitute, if devoted to Mādhava (Viṣṇu), should perform worship by the prescribed method of offering flowers, and continue it for two years.

Word by Word

• yaḥ ca api: and whoever also

• atīva: exceedingly, extremely

• niḥsvaḥ: poor, destitute

• syāt: may be, should be

• bhaktimān: possessing devotion

• mādhavam prati: toward Mādhava (Viṣṇu)

• puṣpa-arcana-vidhānena: by the rule/procedure of flower-worship

• sa: he

• kuryāt: should do, should perform

• vatsara-dvayam: two years

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Mādhava (Vishnu)

Tags

• Bhakti
• Puja
• Vrata
• Ritual Procedure
• Matsya Purana worship rules

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it emphasizes accessible devotional practice (flower-offering worship) even for the extremely poor.

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

It frames dharma as practicable regardless of wealth: a householder (and by extension a ruler guiding society) should uphold devotion through simple, regulated worship, stressing continuity and discipline over expense.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes puṣpārcana-vidhi—worship through systematic flower offerings—highlighting that correct procedure and sustained observance (two years) are central, not costly materials or temple grandeur.