Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Yayāti–Aṣṭaka Dialogue: Seniority

Devanagari script

तैराख्यातां भवतां यज्ञभूमिं समीक्ष्य चैनामहमागतो ऽस्मि हविर्गन्धैर् दर्शितां यज्ञभूमिं धूमापाङ्गं परिगृह्य प्रतीताम् //

Transliteration

tairākhyātāṃ bhavatāṃ yajñabhūmiṃ samīkṣya caināmahamāgato 'smi havirgandhair darśitāṃ yajñabhūmiṃ dhūmāpāṅgaṃ parigṛhya pratītām //

Translation

Having examined this sacrificial ground of yours, as it was described by them, I have come here. I recognized and accepted this yajña-site—made known by the fragrance of the oblations—its corners marked by curling lines of smoke, as a place fit and manifest for sacrifice.

Word by Word

• taiḥ: by them

• ākhyātām: described/told

• bhavatām: of you (honorific plural)

• yajñabhūmim: sacrificial ground/altar-site

• samīkṣya: having examined/observed

• ca: and

• enām: this (feminine, referring to bhūmi)

• aham: I

• āgataḥ asmi: have come

• havir-gandhaiḥ: by the fragrance of oblations (havis)

• darśitām: indicated/made evident

• yajñabhūmim: sacrificial ground

• dhūma-apāṅgam: having smoke at the ‘edges/corners’ (apāṅga = side, corner, peripheral angle)

• parigṛhya: having accepted/embraced/approved

• pratītām: recognized as evident/clearly perceived.

Speaker

• Likely a visiting sage/guest addressing the sacrificers (contextual speaker within the yajña narrative of Adhyaya 38)

Tags

• Yajna
• Havis
• Ritual purity
• Sacrificial ground
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on identifying a valid sacrificial ground through sensory signs like the scent of offerings and the presence of ritual smoke.

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

It underscores the dharmic duty of patrons (kings/householders) to establish and maintain a proper yajña-setting—one that is duly prepared, recognizable, and ritually fit—so that sacrifice is performed in an approved manner.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the verse treats havis-fragrance and smoke at the periphery as indicators of an active, properly functioning yajña-site; it implies correct placement and operation of the fire-altars where smoke and offering-aroma naturally pervade the boundary areas.