Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Catalogue of the Eighteen Puranas

Devanagari script

*मुनय ऊचुः पुराणसंख्यामाचक्ष्व सूत विस्तरशः क्रमात् दानधर्ममशेषं तु यथावदनुपूर्वशः //

Transliteration

*munaya ūcuḥ purāṇasaṃkhyāmācakṣva sūta vistaraśaḥ kramāt dānadharmamaśeṣaṃ tu yathāvadanupūrvaśaḥ //

Translation

The sages said: “O Sūta, tell us—step by step and in full detail—the number (and classification) of the Purāṇas; and likewise explain completely the dharma of giving (dāna), properly and in the correct sequence.”

Word by Word

• munayaḥ: the sages

• ūcuḥ: said

• purāṇa-saṅkhyām: the count/number (enumeration) of the Purāṇas

• ācakṣva: narrate/tell

• sūta: O Sūta (the narrator)

• vistaraśaḥ: at length, in detail

• kramāt: in order, sequentially

• dāna-dharmam: the duty/law of charitable giving

• aśeṣam: without remainder, entirely

• tu: and/indeed

• yathāvat: correctly, according to rule

• anupūrvaśaḥ: in proper succession, one after another.

Speaker

• The Sages (Munis/Rishis) addressing Sūta

Entities Mentioned

• Sūta
• Purāṇas
• Munis (Sages)

Tags

• Danadharma
• Purana-Enumeration
• Ritual-Order
• Ethics
• Teaching-Dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it sets up a teaching request, asking Sūta to enumerate the Purāṇas and to explain dāna-dharma in a systematic order.

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

By requesting “dāna-dharma” in full and in sequence, the sages highlight that charitable giving is a structured duty (not random generosity), relevant to householders and rulers who must practice regulated giving aligned with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple rule is stated in this verse; however, the emphasis on “yathāvat anupūrvaśaḥ” (proper procedure in correct sequence) reflects the Purāṇic method used later for ritual and technical instructions, including architecture and iconography.