Shloka 50

Matsya Purana — Vishnu’s Names Across Yugas and the Gods’ Refuge During the Tārakāmaya War

Devanagari script

महर्षयो वीतशोका वेदान् उच्चैरधीयत यज्ञेषु च हविः पाकं शिवमाप च पावकः //

Transliteration

maharṣayo vītaśokā vedān uccairadhīyata yajñeṣu ca haviḥ pākaṃ śivamāpa ca pāvakaḥ //

Translation

The great seers, freed from sorrow, recited the Vedas aloud; and in the sacrifices the Fire-god attained an auspicious, sanctifying state through the proper cooking of the oblations.

Word by Word

• महर्षयः: great sages

• वीत-शोकाः: free from grief/sorrow

• वेदान्: the Vedas

• उच्चैः: aloud, in a loud voice

• अधीयत: recited/studied (intensively)

• यज्ञेषु: in sacrifices

• च: and

• हविः-पाकम्: the cooking/preparation of the oblation (havis)

• शिवम्: auspiciousness, благоприятное/pure state

• आप: attained

• च: and

• पावकः: Fire (Agni), the purifier

Speaker

• Suta (narratorial voice), within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework

Entities Mentioned

• Maharishis
• Vedas
• Agni (Pavaka)
• Yajna

Tags

• Yajna
• VedicStudy
• Agni
• Dharma
• RitualPurity

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights continuity of dharma through Vedic recitation and yajña, implying that ritual order and sacred sound are sustaining principles even across cosmic changes.

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

It underscores the dharmic model a householder (and a king as patron) should support: correct performance of yajñas, proper preparation of offerings, and reverence for Vedic learning—ensuring social and cosmic auspiciousness through regulated ritual.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is central: 'haviḥ-pāka' points to the correct preparation/cooking of oblations and the role of Agni as purifier; it aligns with precise yajña procedure rather than temple architecture or Vastu rules.