Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — The Sarasvata Vrata: Vow for Sweet Speech

Devanagari script

देव्या वितानं घण्टां च सितनेत्रे पयस्विनीम् चन्दनं वस्त्रयुग्मं च दद्याच्च शिखरं पुनः //

Transliteration

devyā vitānaṃ ghaṇṭāṃ ca sitanetre payasvinīm candanaṃ vastrayugmaṃ ca dadyācca śikharaṃ punaḥ //

Translation

To the Goddess one should offer a ceremonial canopy and a bell; (offer) a white-eyed, milk-yielding cow; and also sandalwood and a pair of garments—then again, one should present a śikhara, a temple-spire or top-ornament, as well.

Word by Word

• devyā: to/for the Goddess

• vitānam: canopy, ceremonial awning

• ghaṇṭām: bell

• ca: and

• sitanetre: white-eyed (epithet, likely of the cow)

• payasvinīm: milk-giving, lactating (cow)

• candanam: sandalwood (paste/wood)

• vastra-yugmam: pair of garments/cloths

• dadyāt: should give/offer

• ca: and

• śikharam: peak, spire, top-ornament (esp. temple śikhara)

• punaḥ: again/further/moreover

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the didactic flow of the Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Devī (the Goddess)

Tags

• Devī Pūjā
• Dāna
• Ritual Offerings
• Temple Architecture
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it prescribes devotional offerings (upacāras/dāna) to Devī, focusing on merit-making ritual acts rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames dharmic duty as worship supported by charitable gifts—items like a cow, cloth, and sandalwood are classic household/royal donations that generate religious merit and uphold social-religious order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The mention of offering a “śikhara” points to temple-related patronage—supporting or donating a temple spire/top-structure—linking ritual devotion with Vastu/temple construction and embellishment.