Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Conclusion of the Prayaga Mahatmya: Kingship Restored

Devanagari script

तत्र स्नात्वा च जप्त्वा च विधिदृष्टेन कर्मणा दानं दत्त्वा द्विजाग्र्येभ्यो गतः स्वभवनं तदा //

Transliteration

tatra snātvā ca japtvā ca vidhidṛṣṭena karmaṇā dānaṃ dattvā dvijāgryebhyo gataḥ svabhavanaṃ tadā //

Translation

There, having bathed and performed japa according to the rite prescribed in the scriptures, and having given charitable gifts to the foremost of the twice-born, he then returned to his own home.

Word by Word

• tatra: there

• snātvā: having bathed

• ca: and

• japtvā: having recited (performed japa)

• vidhidṛṣṭena: as enjoined/seen in the proper rule (by scriptural ordinance)

• karmaṇā: by the ritual act/procedure

• dānam: a gift/charity

• dattvā: having given

• dvijāgryebhyaḥ: to the best among the twice-born (excellent Brāhmaṇas)

• gataḥ: went/returned

• svabhavanam: to his own house/home

• tadā: then/at that time

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) relaying the account within the Matsya Purana’s dharma-ritual context

Entities Mentioned

• Dvija (twice-born)
• Brāhmaṇas (implied by dvijāgrya)

Tags

• Dharma
• Snana
• Japa
• Dana
• Brahmana

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it emphasizes everyday dharmic practice—ritual bathing, mantra-recitation, and charity—as a means of sustaining religious order.

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

It models the ideal conduct of a responsible person: perform purification (snāna), disciplined recitation (japa) as prescribed (vidhi), honor learned Brāhmaṇas through dāna, and then return to household life—showing dharma integrated with daily routine.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: the verse stresses vidhi (proper procedure) for snāna and japa, and prescribes dāna to qualified recipients (dvijāgrya), highlighting correctness of rite and ethics of giving.