Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds, Shloka 42

Devanagari script

शान्तात्मानः शौचपराः सततं प्रियवादिनः भक्तानुरक्ताः सुखदाः पितरः पूर्वदेवताः //

Transliteration

śāntātmānaḥ śaucaparāḥ satataṃ priyavādinaḥ bhaktānuraktāḥ sukhadāḥ pitaraḥ pūrvadevatāḥ //

Translation

Die Pitṛs (heiligen Ahnen) sind von ruhigem Geist, der Reinheit ergeben, stets von liebenswürdiger Rede, den Frommen zugetan und Spender des Glücks; sie sind die uralten Gottheiten der frühen Zeit.

Word by Word

• śānta-ātmānaḥ: serene-minded/peaceful-souled

• śauca-parāḥ: intent on purity/cleanliness

• satatam: always/continually

• priya-vādinaḥ: speakers of pleasing words

• bhakta-anuraktāḥ: attached to/affectionate toward devotees

• sukha-dāḥ: givers of happiness/comfort

• pitaraḥ: the Pitṛs/forefathers

• pūrva-devatāḥ: former/primeval deities, ancient gods

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitaraḥ (Pitṛs)
• Bhakta (devotee)

Tags

• Pitrs
• Shraddha
• Dharma
• Purity
• AncestralRites

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it defines the Pitṛs as ancient divine beings who continue to support cosmic and familial order by blessing the devoted.

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

It supports the householder (and king as exemplar) in maintaining śauca (purity), respectful speech, and Pitṛ-tarpaṇa/śrāddha—since the Pitṛs are portrayed as responsive to devotion and as givers of well-being.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The emphasis is ritual: purity (śauca), devotional attitude, and proper conduct are presented as key conditions for receiving Pitṛ blessings—core principles underlying śrāddha and ancestral offerings.