Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Yayāti’s Forest-Renunciation

Devanagari script

स जितात्मा जितक्रोधस् तर्पयन् पितृदेवताः अग्नींश्च विधिवज्जुह्वन् वानप्रस्थविधानतः //

Transliteration

sa jitātmā jitakrodhas tarpayan pitṛdevatāḥ agnīṃśca vidhivajjuhvan vānaprasthavidhānataḥ //

Translation

Self-controlled and having conquered anger, he should satisfy the Fathers (Pitṛs) and the gods with offerings; and, maintaining the sacred fires, perform oblations in the prescribed manner, according to the ordinances for a vānaprastha (forest-dweller).

Word by Word

• स (sa): he (the vānaprastha)

• जितात्मा (jitātmā): self-controlled, having mastered the mind/self

• जितक्रोधः (jitakrodhaḥ): having conquered anger

• तर्पयन् (tarpayan): satisfying, offering libations to

• पितृदेवताः (pitṛ-devatāḥ): the Pitṛs (ancestral Fathers) and the deities

• अग्नींश्च (agnīṃś ca): and the sacred fires

• विधिवत् (vidhivat): according to rule, duly

• जुह्वन् (juhvan): offering oblations, performing homa

• वानप्रस्थविधानतः (vānaprastha-vidhānataḥ): in accordance with the regulations of the vānaprastha stage

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, framing dharma for life-stages)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs (ancestors)
• Devas (gods)
• Agni (sacred fire)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vānaprastha
• Ritual
• Homa
• Pitṛ-tarpaṇa

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on disciplined conduct and ritual obligations in the vānaprastha āśrama, emphasizing continuity of dharma through offerings to ancestors, gods, and the sacred fires.

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

It extends the āśrama-based ethic: even after worldly duties (including kingship or householdership), one should cultivate self-mastery and continue obligatory rites—especially offerings to Pitṛs and Devas and the maintenance of sacred fires—now adapted to the forest-dweller stage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance is central: it prescribes vidhivat juhoti—proper homa/oblations and upkeep of the agnis—along with tarpaṇa to Pitṛs and Devas, highlighting correct procedure rather than temple architecture or vāstu.