Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Account of the Manvantaras: Manus

Devanagari script

अकल्मषस् तथा धन्वी तपोमूलस्तपोधनः तपोरतिस्तपस्यश्च तपोद्युतिपरंतपौ //

Transliteration

akalmaṣas tathā dhanvī tapomūlastapodhanaḥ taporatistapasyaśca tapodyutiparaṃtapau //

Translation

Also there were Akalmaṣa and Dhanvī—Tapomūla, Tapodhana, Taporati, Tapasya, and Tapodyuti—all supreme ascetics, mighty through austerity and as though scorched by the fire of penance.

Word by Word

• akalmaṣaḥ: sinless/pure one (name/epithet)

• tathā: and also

• dhanvī: the archer/bow-bearing one (name/epithet)

• tapo-mūlaḥ: one whose foundation is austerity

• tapo-dhanaḥ: one whose wealth is austerity

• tapo-ratiḥ: one who delights in austerity

• tapasyaḥ: devoted to penance/austerity (also a name/epithet)

• ca: and

• tapo-dyutiḥ: one whose radiance is born of austerity

• paraṃ-tapau: great ascetics, “supreme heat-makers” (those who burn impurities by tapas).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice) describing revered ascetics/sage-figures in the chapter’s listing

Entities Mentioned

• Akalmaṣa
• Dhanvī
• Tapomūla
• Tapodhana
• Taporati
• Tapasya
• Tapodyuti

Tags

• Tapas
• Rishis
• Asceticism
• Purity
• Lineage Lists

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights the Purāṇic ideal that tapas (austerity) generates spiritual “heat” that purifies sin and empowers sages—an underlying force often invoked in cosmic events elsewhere in the Matsya Purana.

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

By praising “tapodhana” (one whose wealth is austerity), the verse sets a value-standard: rulers and householders are urged to honor ascetics, support disciplined living, and cultivate self-restraint (dama) and purity (akalmaṣa) as foundations of dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or temple rule is stated here; ritually, the verse functions as a reverential catalogue of tapas-powered figures—supporting the Purāṇic principle that rites gain potency through purity, restraint, and the blessing of accomplished ascetics.