Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

तथा त्वमपि देवर्षे प्रयागाभिमुखो भव अभिषेकं तु कृत्वाद्य कृतकृत्यो भविष्यसि //

Transliteration

tathā tvamapi devarṣe prayāgābhimukho bhava abhiṣekaṃ tu kṛtvādya kṛtakṛtyo bhaviṣyasi //

Translation

So you too, O divine sage, turn yourself toward Prayāga. Having performed the abhiṣeka—ritual ablution—today, you will become one whose purpose is fulfilled.

Word by Word

• तथा (tathā): thus, in the same way

• त्वम् (tvam): you

• अपि (api): also

• देवर्षे (devarṣe): O divine sage

• प्रयाग-अभिमुखः (prayāga-abhimukhaḥ): facing/toward Prayāga

• भव (bhava): become, be

• अभिषेकम् (abhiṣekam): consecratory bathing/ritual ablution

• तु (tu): indeed, then

• कृत्वा- अद्य (kṛtvā-adya): having done, today

• कृतकृत्यः (kṛtakṛtyaḥ): one who has accomplished what is to be done, fulfilled

• भविष्यसि (bhaviṣyasi): you will become

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing a sage/interlocutor within the Prayaga-mahatmya dialogue

Entities Mentioned

• Prayaga
• Devarshi

Tags

• Tirtha
• Prayaga
• Abhisheka
• Pilgrimage
• Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on tirtha-oriented practice—turning toward Prayaga and completing abhisheka as a means of spiritual fulfillment.

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

It frames pilgrimage and ritual bathing as a legitimate dharmic act: a householder (or ruler) can seek purification and completion of vows by undertaking tirtha-yatra and performing prescribed rites like abhisheka.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is abhiṣeka—consecratory bathing/ablution—presented as a completing act (kṛtakṛtya), indicating the Matsya Purana’s emphasis on properly timed and properly performed sacred rites at major tirthas like Prayaga.