Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Catalogue of the Eighteen Puranas

Devanagari script

यत्राधिकृत्य गायत्रीं वर्ण्यते धर्मविस्तरः वृत्रासुरवधोपेतं तद्भागवतमुच्यते //

Transliteration

yatrādhikṛtya gāyatrīṃ varṇyate dharmavistaraḥ vṛtrāsuravadhopetaṃ tadbhāgavatamucyate //

Translation

That scripture in which, taking the Gāyatrī as the governing foundation, the full expanse of Dharma is set forth, and which also includes the account of the slaying of Vṛtrāsura, is called the Bhāgavata.

Word by Word

• yatra: wherein/in which

• adhikṛtya: having taken as the basis/with reference to

• gāyatrīm: the Gāyatrī (mantra/metre)

• varṇyate: is described/is expounded

• dharma-vistaraḥ: the extensive exposition of dharma

• vṛtrāsura-vadha: the killing of Vṛtrāsura

• upetam: endowed with/accompanied by

• tat: that

• bhāgavatam: the Bhāgavata (sacred narrative devoted to Bhagavān)

• ucyate: is called/is said to be

Speaker

• Likely Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing textual characteristics (purāṇa-lakṣaṇa) within the Matsya Purāṇa

Entities Mentioned

• Gāyatrī
• Dharma
• Vṛtrāsura

Tags

• Dharma
• Purana-Lakshana
• Bhagavata
• Mantra
• Vedic-Itihasa

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; instead, it defines a Bhāgavata-type scripture by its dharma-focused teaching grounded in Gāyatrī and by including major Vedic-Purāṇic episodes like the Vṛtrāsura slaying.

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

By stating that a Bhāgavata text is characterized by a broad exposition of dharma, it implies that rulers and householders should treat such scripture as an authoritative guide for righteous conduct, governance, vows, and ethical discipline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the primacy of Gāyatrī—presented as a foundational mantra/metre for dharma-teaching; no specific Vāstu or temple-building rule is referenced in this verse.