Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

ऋषीणां परमं गुह्यम् इदं भरतसत्तम तीर्थानुगमनं पुण्यं यज्ञेभ्यो ऽपि विशिष्यते //

Transliteration

ṛṣīṇāṃ paramaṃ guhyam idaṃ bharatasattama tīrthānugamanaṃ puṇyaṃ yajñebhyo 'pi viśiṣyate //

Translation

O best of the Bharatas, this is the sages’ deepest secret: the holy merit gained by visiting the sacred tīrthas surpasses even that gained through sacrifices (yajñas).

Word by Word

• ऋषीणाम् (ṛṣīṇām): of the sages

• परमम् (paramam): supreme, highest

• गुह्यम् (guhyam): secret, esoteric teaching

• इदम् (idam): this

• भरतसत्तम (bharatasattama): O best among the Bharatas

• तीर्थानुगमनम् (tīrthānugamanam): going to/undertaking pilgrimage to tīrthas

• पुण्यम् (puṇyam): religious merit, sacred virtue

• यज्ञेभ्यः (yajñebhyaḥ): than sacrifices

• अपि (api): even

• विशिष्यते (viśiṣyate): excels, is superior

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Rishis
• Bharatas
• Tirthas
• Yajna

Tags

• Tirtha
• Pilgrimage
• Punya
• Yajna
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it teaches a dharmic hierarchy of merits, declaring tīrtha-pilgrimage a superior source of puṇya compared to yajñas.

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

It frames pilgrimage as a highly effective, accessible dharmic practice—especially relevant for householders and rulers who may not always perform elaborate sacrifices—encouraging ethical living supported by tīrtha-visitation and reverence for sacred places.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates tīrtha-anugamana (pilgrimage) as a merit-bearing act even above yajña, implying that sacred-site observances (bathing, vows, offerings, and worship at tīrthas) can function as potent alternatives or complements to major sacrificial rites.