Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

यो दरिद्रैरपि विधिः शक्यः प्राप्तुं नरेश्वर तुल्यो यज्ञफलैः पुण्यैस् तन्निबोध युधिष्ठिर //

Transliteration

yo daridrairapi vidhiḥ śakyaḥ prāptuṃ nareśvara tulyo yajñaphalaiḥ puṇyais tannibodha yudhiṣṭhira //

Translation

O king, understand this, Yudhiṣṭhira: that religious observance which even the poor can accomplish is equal in merit to the holy rewards that arise from the performance of yajñas.

Word by Word

• yaḥ: which

• daridraiḥ api: even by the poor

• vidhiḥ: prescribed rite/observance

• śakyaḥ: possible/feasible

• prāptum: to attain/perform and obtain the fruit

• nareśvara: O lord of men (king)

• tulyaḥ: equal

• yajña-phalaiḥ: with the fruits of sacrifice

• puṇyaiḥ: with meritorious (holy) results

• tat: that

• nibodha: understand/learn

• yudhiṣṭhira: O Yudhiṣṭhira

Speaker

• Narrator addressing King Yudhiṣṭhira (Paurāṇic instruction in a Mahābhārata-linked frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Yudhiṣṭhira

Tags

• Dharma
• Dāna
• Yajña
• Punya
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it teaches that certain simple, accessible rites can yield merit equal to elaborate yajñas.

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

It guides rulers and householders to honor and promote dharma that is attainable for all classes, valuing inner merit and right observance over costly ritual exclusivity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is that a “vidhi” performable even by the poor can be equivalent to yajña-fruit—highlighting low-cost, inclusive religious practice rather than temple architecture rules.