Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

तासां तु नामधेयानि परिमाणं तथैव च न शक्यं परिसंख्यातुं पुण्यास्ताः सरिदुत्तमाः //

Transliteration

tāsāṃ tu nāmadheyāni parimāṇaṃ tathaiva ca na śakyaṃ parisaṃkhyātuṃ puṇyāstāḥ sariduttamāḥ //

Translation

But their names—and their extent as well—cannot be fully enumerated; those supreme rivers are holy and merit-bestowing.

Word by Word

• तासाम् (tāsām): of those (rivers)

• तु (tu): indeed/but

• नामधेयानि (nāmadhyeyāni): names/appellations

• परिमाणम् (parimāṇam): measure/extent

• तथैव (tathaiva): likewise/just so

• च (ca): and

• न (na): not

• शक्यम् (śakyam): possible

• परिसंख्यातुम् (parisaṃkhyātum): to count completely/enumerate fully

• पुण्याः (puṇyāḥ): holy, merit-giving

• ताः (tāḥ): those

• सरित्-उत्तमाः (sarid-uttamāḥ): the best/supreme among rivers

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Sacred Rivers (Saritaḥ)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Sacred Rivers
• Punya
• Mahatmya
• Pilgrimage

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it emphasizes the immeasurable number and extent of sacred rivers, highlighting the boundless field of merit (puṇya) available through tirtha traditions.

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

It supports dharmic conduct by valuing pilgrimage, purification, and charity connected with sacred waters—practices a householder may undertake and a king may protect by maintaining access, safety, and sanctity of tirthas.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underscores the primacy of river-tirthas for स्नान (snāna, sacred bathing) and purification; architecturally it indirectly supports placing ghats, temples, and tirtha facilities near holy rivers due to their exceptional sanctity.