Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

*वैशम्पायन उवाच श्रीकामः शान्तिकामो वा ग्रहयज्ञं समारभेत् वृद्ध्यायुः पुष्टिकामो वा तथैवाभिचरन्पुनः येन ब्रह्मन्विधानेन तन्मे निगदतः शृणु //

Transliteration

*vaiśampāyana uvāca śrīkāmaḥ śāntikāmo vā grahayajñaṃ samārabhet vṛddhyāyuḥ puṣṭikāmo vā tathaivābhicaranpunaḥ yena brahmanvidhānena tanme nigadataḥ śṛṇu //

Translation

Vaiśampāyana berkata: Sama ada seseorang mencari kemakmuran atau mendambakan kedamaian, hendaklah ia memulakan korban bagi planet-planet (graha-yajña). Demikian juga, sesiapa yang menginginkan pertumbuhan, umur panjang dan pemeliharaan—atau bahkan yang sedang melakukan upacara untuk menangkis pengaruh yang memudaratkan—hendaklah melakukannya berulang kali. Wahai Brahmana, dengarlah ketika aku menerangkan tata cara yang ditetapkan menurut ketentuan Brahman.

Word by Word

• वैशम्पायनः: Vaiśampāyana

• उवाच: said

• श्रीकामः: one desiring prosperity/fortune

• शान्तिकामः: one desiring pacification/peace

• वा: or

• ग्रहयज्ञम्: graha-yajña, rite/sacrifice for the planets

• समारभेत्: should commence/undertake

• वृद्धिः: increase/prosperous growth

• आयुः: lifespan/longevity

• पुष्टिकामः: one desiring nourishment/strength/health

• वा: or

• तथा एव: likewise

• अभिचरन्: one engaged in hostile rites / one counteracting malign influences (abhicāra-context)

• पुनः: again, repeatedly

• येन: by which

• ब्रह्मन्: O Brahmin

• विधानेन: by the rule/procedure/ordinance

• तत्: that

• मे: from me

• निगदतः: as I am explaining/declaring

• शृणु: listen.

Speaker

• Vaiśampāyana

Entities Mentioned

• Vaiśampāyana
• Grahas (planetary deities)

Tags

• Grahayajña
• Śānti
• Ayus
• Puṣṭi
• Ritual procedure

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it introduces a ritual framework (graha-yajña) aimed at pacification, prosperity, longevity, and protection from harmful influences.

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

It frames graha-yajña as a legitimate dharmic remedy for worldly aims—peace, prosperity, health, and longevity—goals commonly sought by householders and rulers who must maintain personal well-being and social stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it authorizes and motivates the performance of planetary rites (graha-yajña) and signals that a specific Brahmanical procedure (vidhi) will be taught for correct execution.