Matsya Purana — The Pushkara Manifestation, Shloka 28

Devanagari script

अथैवाद्भुतमित्येते ज्ञेयाः पैतामहर्षयः त्रयोदशगुणं धर्मम् आलभन्त महर्षयः //

Transliteration

athaivādbhutamityete jñeyāḥ paitāmaharṣayaḥ trayodaśaguṇaṃ dharmam ālabhanta maharṣayaḥ //

Translation

These, indeed, are to be known as the ‘Paitāmaha’ sages—those of the line of the Grandfather (Brahmā); and those great seers undertook (embraced) a dharma endowed with thirteen qualities.

Word by Word

• अथ एव (atha eva): and indeed/then indeed

• अद्भुतम् इति (adbhutam iti): as ‘Adbhuta’/as the term ‘adbhuta’

• एते (ete): these

• ज्ञेयाः (jñeyāḥ): are to be known/should be recognized

• पैतामह-ऋषयः (paitāmaha-ṛṣayaḥ): the Paitāmaha sages (connected to Pitāmaha/Brahmā)

• त्रयोदश-गुणम् (trayodaśa-guṇam): possessing thirteen qualities/thirteenfold

• धर्मम् (dharmam): dharma, sacred law, righteous discipline

• आलभन्त (ālabhanta): they undertook/embraced/entered upon

• महर्षयः (maharṣayaḥ): great sages.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating Purāṇic classifications to Vaivasvata Manu, likely context)

Entities Mentioned

• Paitamaha Rishis
• Pitāmaha (Brahmā)
• Mahर्षis

Tags

• Dharma
• Rishis
• Brahma
• Paitamaha
• Purāṇic classification

FAQs

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

It does not directly discuss pralaya; it classifies a Brahmā-linked group of sages (Paitāmaha) and highlights their adherence to a structured, ‘thirteen-qualitied’ dharma—supporting cosmic order rather than describing dissolution.

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

By presenting sages who ‘undertook’ a disciplined, multi-qualitied dharma, the verse implies that dharma is defined by identifiable qualities and deliberate practice—an ethical model a king or householder should emulate through regulated conduct and righteous governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple rule appears in this verse; its ritual takeaway is the emphasis on formally ‘embracing’ dharma as a qualified discipline, which typically underlies correct performance of rites in the Purāṇic framework.