The Matsya Purana (critical study)

by Kushal Kalita | 2018 | 74,766 words | ISBN-13: 9788171103058

This page relates ‘Saubhagyashayana-vrata’ of the English study on the Matsya-purana: a Sanskrit text preserving ancient Indian traditions and legends written in over 14,000 metrical verses. In this study, the background and content of the Matsyapurana is outlined against the cultural history of ancient India in terms of religion, politics, geography and architectural aspects. It shows how the encyclopedic character causes the text to deal with almost all the aspects of human civilization.

Part 4.3b - Saubhāgyaśayana-vrata

In the 60th chapter of the Matsyapurāṇa, the Saubhāgyaśayanavrata is described. This vrata is observed on the third day of bright fortnight of the month of Caitra.[1] The devotee taking bath with sesamum oil, worships Śiva and Pārvatī with flowers, fruits, incense etc. Then the image of Gaurī is bathed with pañcagavya (cowdung, urine of cow, milk, curd, ghee).[2] The limbs of Śiva is worshipped chanting mantras with his different names.[3] After worshipping Śiva, the devotee places eight objects like ghee, milk which bring saubhāgya before Śiva.[4] On the next morning the devotee takes bath and thereafter offers clothes, garlands, ornaments etc. to the brāhmaṇa and his consort. This vow should be performed for a year.[5]

This vow is the giver of all bliss. This vow can be observed by both male and female observers. It is also ordained that any one fruit should be given up by the observer who performs this vrata. The performer of this vrata attains all his desired fruits and in the end achives the feet of brāhmaṇa.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

vasantamāsamāsādya tṛtiyāyām janapriya/ śuklapakṣasya pūrvāhne tilaiḥ snānaṃ samācaret// Ibid.,60.14

[2]:

Ibid., 60.16-17

[3]:

Ibid., 60.18-19

[4]:

The eight blessings (saubhāgya) consist of the eight things, viz., clarified butter, niṣpāva, saffron, cow’s milk, cumin seed, sugarcane, salt and coriander seed. Cf., Matsyapurāṇa, Edited, H.H.Wilson, p.283

[5]:

Matsyapurāṇa,60.32

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