Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Rohiṇī–Candraśayana Vow

Devanagari script

एवं संवत्सरं यावद् उपास्य विधिवन्नरः व्रतान्ते शयनं दद्याद् दर्पणोपस्करान्वितम् //

Transliteration

evaṃ saṃvatsaraṃ yāvad upāsya vidhivannaraḥ vratānte śayanaṃ dadyād darpaṇopaskarānvitam //

Translation

Thus, having duly performed the observance for as long as a full year, at the conclusion of the vow one should gift a bed furnished with a mirror and the requisite accessories.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• saṃvatsaram: for a year

• yāvat: as long as

• upāsya: having worshipped/observed (the vow)

• vidhivat: according to rule, duly

• naraḥ: a man (votary/householder)

• vratānte: at the end of the vow

• śayanam: a bed, couch (resting-place)

• dadyāt: should give (as a gift)

• darpaṇa: mirror

• upaskara: furnishings, implements, accessories

• anvitam: endowed with, accompanied by

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Dāna
• Householder
• Ritual Procedure

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically the proper completion of a year-long vow through a prescribed charitable gift.

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

It frames vrata as disciplined, rule-bound practice (vidhivat) and teaches that householders (and rulers as exemplary householders) should conclude observances with dāna—here, gifting a properly furnished bed—linking personal piety to social generosity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the vrata-ending donation (śayyā-dāna): the bed must be complete with accessories, explicitly including a mirror, indicating that gifts should be functional, dignified, and given in full accordance with procedure.