Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — The Sarasvata Vrata: Vow for Sweet Speech

Devanagari script

शुक्लवस्त्राणि दत्त्वा च सहिरण्यानि शक्तितः गायत्रीं पूजयेद्भक्त्या शुक्लमाल्यानुलेपनैः //

Transliteration

śuklavastrāṇi dattvā ca sahiraṇyāni śaktitaḥ gāyatrīṃ pūjayedbhaktyā śuklamālyānulepanaiḥ //

Translation

Having offered white garments, and also gold according to one’s ability, one should worship Gāyatrī with devotion, using white garlands and white unguents for anointing.

Word by Word

• śukla-vastrāṇi: white garments

• dattvā: having given/offered

• ca: and

• sa-hiraṇyāni: together with gold

• śaktitaḥ: according to one’s capacity

• gāyatrīm: Gāyatrī (the sacred mantra/deity)

• pūjayet: should worship

• bhaktyā: with devotion

• śukla-mālya: white garlands

• anulepanaiḥ: with unguents/pastes used for anointing

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on ritual observance)

Entities Mentioned

• Gāyatrī

Tags

• Pūjā
• Dāna
• Vrata
• Ritual Purity
• Mantra-Devatā

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on ritual worship—specifically, the proper offerings and color symbolism used in devotion to Gāyatrī.

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

It teaches a practical dharma principle: give and worship within one’s means (śaktitaḥ). A householder or ruler is encouraged to perform devotion with purity and generosity without financial overreach.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it prescribes śukla (white) items—garments, garlands, and unguents—highlighting purity, sāttvika worship, and a standardized pūjā-upacāra method for honoring Gāyatrī.