Shloka 68

Matsya Purana — Vrata-Ṣaṣṭhī: The Sixty Sacred Vows

Devanagari script

सप्तरात्रोषितो दद्याद् घृतकुम्भं द्विजातये घृतव्रतमिदं प्राहुर् ब्रह्मलोकफलप्रदम् //

Transliteration

saptarātroṣito dadyād ghṛtakumbhaṃ dvijātaye ghṛtavratamidaṃ prāhur brahmalokaphalapradam //

Translation

After observing (the vow) for seven nights, one should give a pot filled with clarified butter (ghee) to a twice-born (Brāhmaṇa). This is declared to be the “ghee-vow” (ghṛta-vrata), bestowing the fruit of attaining Brahma-loka.

Word by Word

saptarātra-uṣitaḥhaving stayed/observed for seven nights (i.e., having kept the observance)

dadyātshould give

ghṛta-kumbhama pot/jar of ghee

dvijātayeto a twice-born (traditionally a Brāhmaṇa recipient in dāna contexts)

ghṛta-vratamthe vow/observance connected with ghee

idamthis

prāhuḥthey declare/teach

brahma-loka-phala-pradamgranting the fruit of Brahma-loka (attainment of Brahma’s world)

Speaker

Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

BrahmaBrahma-lokaDvija (twice-born)

FAQs

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

It does not discuss Pralaya directly; it teaches a dharma practice (a seven-night observance followed by ghee-donation) whose stated spiritual result is attainment of Brahma-loka.

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

It frames an actionable dāna-vrata: after maintaining discipline for seven nights, a householder (and likewise a king as dharma-protector) should support the twice-born through a prescribed gift—here, a ghee-filled pot—linking social duty (support of ritual specialists) with promised spiritual merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the specific vrata procedure and dāna item: completing a seven-night observance and donating a ghṛta-kumbha (pot of ghee), a common ritual substance used for homa, lamps, and offerings.