Shloka 68

Matsya Purana — Catalogue of the Eighteen Puranas

Devanagari script

सात्त्विकेषु पुराणेषु माहात्म्यमधिकं हरेः राजसेषु च माहात्म्यम् अधिकं ब्रह्मणो विदुः //

Transliteration

sāttvikeṣu purāṇeṣu māhātmyamadhikaṃ hareḥ rājaseṣu ca māhātmyam adhikaṃ brahmaṇo viduḥ //

Translation

In the Sāttvika Purāṇas, the greater glorification is of Hari (Viṣṇu); and in the Rājasa Purāṇas, the learned know the greater glorification to be of Brahmā.

Word by Word

• सात्त्विकेषु (sāttvikeṣu): in the sāttvika (goodness-dominant) ones

• पुराणेषु (purāṇeṣu): among the Purāṇas

• माहात्म्यम् (māhātmyam): greatness, glorification

• अधिकम् (adhikam): greater, predominant

• हरेः (hareḥ): of Hari/Viṣṇu

• राजसेषु (rājaseṣu): in the rājasa (passion-dominant) ones

• च (ca): and

• माहात्म्यम् (māhātmyam): glorification

• अधिकम् (adhikam): greater

• ब्रह्मणः (brahmaṇaḥ): of Brahmā

• विदुः (viduḥ): they know, the wise understand

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Hari (Vishnu)
• Brahma

Tags

• Purana classification
• Sattva
• Rajas
• Vishnu Mahatmya
• Brahma Mahatmya

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it gives a doctrinal key for reading Purāṇas—different texts emphasize different deities according to the predominance of guṇas (sattva or rajas).

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

It guides discernment in scriptural study: a king or householder should choose teachings aligned with the intended spiritual aim—Sāttvika Purāṇas for Viṣṇu-centered dharma and devotion, and Rājasa Purāṇas where Brahmā-centered themes are more prominent.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated here; the practical takeaway is hermeneutic—identify a Purāṇa’s guṇa-orientation to understand why certain rituals and deity-praises are foregrounded.