Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — The Viśokā-Saptamī Vow

Devanagari script

व्रतान्ते कलशं दद्यात् सुवर्णकमलान्वितम् शय्यां सोपस्करां दद्यात् कपिलां च पयस्विनीम् //

Transliteration

vratānte kalaśaṃ dadyāt suvarṇakamalānvitam śayyāṃ sopaskarāṃ dadyāt kapilāṃ ca payasvinīm //

Translation

At the completion of the vow, one should gift a ritual water-pot (kalaśa) adorned with a golden lotus. One should also donate a bed complete with its furnishings, and a tawny milch-cow (kapilā) rich in milk.

Word by Word

• vratānte: at the end of the vow

• kalaśam: a ritual pot/water-vessel

• dadyāt: should give (as a gift)

• suvarṇa: gold

• kamala: lotus

• anvitaṃ: endowed with/adorned with

• śayyām: a bed/couch

• sopaskarām: with accessories/furnishings (bedding, coverings, etc.)

• kapilām: tawny/brown cow

• ca: and

• payasvinīm: milk-yielding, rich in milk

Speaker

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

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Kalasha
• Suvarṇa-kamala
• Kapilā (cow)

Tags

• Vrata
• Dana
• Ritual
• Householder Dharma
• Puranic Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically the proper completion of a religious vow (vrata) through prescribed charitable gifts (dāna).

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

It presents a householder-style dharma guideline: after completing a vow, one should formalize the merit through dāna—offering a kalasha, a furnished bed, and a milch-cow—acts that support ritual order, hospitality, and sustenance in society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the vrata-conclusion (udvāsana/vratānta) dāna: a kalasha (sacred vessel) adorned with a golden lotus is a formal ritual gift, while the bed with furnishings and the milch-cow represent complete, practical charity supporting comfort and nourishment.