Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types, Shloka 12

Devanagari script

सामस्वरविधिज्ञश्च पङ्क्तिपावनपावनः सामगो ब्रह्मचारी च वेदयुक्तो ऽथ ब्रह्मवित् //

Transliteration

sāmasvaravidhijñaśca paṅktipāvanapāvanaḥ sāmago brahmacārī ca vedayukto 'tha brahmavit //

Translation

وہ سام گان کے سُروں اور قواعد کا جاننے والا ہو؛ پنکتی (بھوجن کی قطار) کو پاک کرنے والا اور خود بھی پاکیزہ ہو؛ سام گانے والا، برہماچاری، وید سے وابستہ—اور یقیناً برہمن/برہمن کا عارف (برہموِد) ہو۔

Word by Word

• sāma-svara-vidhi-jñaḥ: knower of the rules (vidhi) of Sāma tones/notes

• ca: and

• paṅkti-pāvana-pāvanaḥ: purifier of the paṅkti (row/company at a rite or meal) and himself purified/most pure

• sāmagaḥ: chanter/singer of Sāman hymns (Sāmavedin)

• brahmacārī: one observing brahmacarya (celibate Vedic student-discipline)

• ca: and

• veda-yuktaḥ: yoked to/grounded in the Veda (Veda-trained, Veda-disciplined)

• atha: then/indeed

• brahma-vit: knower of Brahman (ultimate reality).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and qualifications)

Entities Mentioned

• Sāmaveda
• Brahman

Tags

• Dharma
• Veda
• Brahmacarya
• Brahmana-qualities
• Ritual-purity

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it defines Vedic-ethical qualifications—especially purity, correct chant-knowledge, and Brahman-realization—as enduring dharmic standards regardless of cosmic cycles.

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

It supplies a standard for whom a king or householder should honor, employ for rites, or invite to śrāddha and yajña: a disciplined Sāmavedin who preserves ritual correctness, maintains purity, and embodies brahmavidyā.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual emphasis is on precise Sāmaveda intonation (svara-vidhi) and paṅkti-pāvana—ensuring the ritual/feast assembly remains pure—key concerns for properly conducted yajñas and śrāddhas.