Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Bhīma-Dvādaśī

Devanagari script

धार्मिकस्याप्यशक्तस्य तीव्राग्नित्वादुपोषणे इदं व्रतमशेषाणां व्रतानामधिकं यतः //

Transliteration

dhārmikasyāpyaśaktasya tīvrāgnitvādupoṣaṇe idaṃ vratamaśeṣāṇāṃ vratānāmadhikaṃ yataḥ //

Translation

Even for a righteous person who cannot undertake fasting because the digestive fire is intense, this observance is regarded as superior to all other vows.

Word by Word

• dhārmikasya: of the righteous person

• api: even

• aśaktasya: of one who is incapable/weak

• tīvrāgnitvāt: due to the intensity of (digestive) fire

• upoṣaṇe: in fasting/with regard to fasting

• idam: this

• vratam: vow/observance

• aśeṣāṇām: of all, without remainder

• vratānām: of vows/observances

• adhikam: greater/superior

• yataḥ: because/for this reason

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Agni (digestive fire)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Fasting
• Ritual
• Ethics

FAQs

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

It does not address Pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma, emphasizing that a specific observance can surpass fasting-based vows even when fasting is impractical.

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

It supports practical dharma: rulers and householders should uphold religious observances suited to their capacity, recognizing that sincere discipline can be meritorious even without strict fasting.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (vrata) rather than architectural: it legitimizes a vow that remains effective for devotees who cannot perform upavāsa due to strong digestive fire.