Shloka 123

Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth

Devanagari script

मुनिस्तु प्रतिजग्राह तमर्घं विधिवत्तदा गृहीतार्घं मुनिवरम् अपृच्छच्छ्लक्ष्णया गिरा //

Transliteration

munistu pratijagrāha tamarghaṃ vidhivattadā gṛhītārghaṃ munivaram apṛcchacchlakṣṇayā girā //

Translation

Then the sage duly accepted that offering of honor (arghya) according to proper rite; and once the eminent sage had received the arghya, he was addressed with gentle and courteous words.

Word by Word

• muniḥ: the sage

• tu: indeed/then

• pratijagrāha: accepted/received

• tam: that

• argham: arghya, a respectful offering (water/rites of welcome)

• vidhivat: according to rule/ritual procedure

• tadā: then

• gṛhīta-argham: one who has received the arghya

• muni-varam: the best of sages, eminent sage

• apṛcchat: asked/inquired

• ślakṣṇayā: gentle, soft, refined

• girā: by speech/with words

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic voice describing the exchange; the inquirer is the host addressing the sage)

Entities Mentioned

• Muni
• Arghya

Tags

• Ritual
• Hospitality
• Dharma
• Arghya
• Dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights dharmic social order—proper ritual honor (arghya) and courteous inquiry—often framing larger teachings elsewhere in the Matsya Purana.

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

It teaches atithi-satkāra (honoring guests), especially sages: receive them with arghya “vidhivat” (by prescribed rite) and speak gently before asking questions—key conduct for both rulers and householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is arghya-vidhi: a formal welcoming offering (typically water with auspicious accompaniments) given to honored guests before conversation or requests, emphasizing procedure before inquiry.