Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Description of the Akṣaya Tṛtīyā Observance

Devanagari script

वैशाखशुक्लपक्षे तु तृतीया यैरुपोषिता अक्षयं फलमाप्नोति सर्वस्य सुकृतस्य च //

Transliteration

vaiśākhaśuklapakṣe tu tṛtīyā yairupoṣitā akṣayaṃ phalamāpnoti sarvasya sukṛtasya ca //

Translation

Whoever observes a fast on Tṛtīyā, the third lunar day, in the bright fortnight of Vaiśākha attains an imperishable reward—the unfailing fruit of all meritorious deeds.

Word by Word

• vaiśākha-śukla-pakṣe: in the bright fortnight of Vaiśākha

• tu: indeed

• tṛtīyā: the third lunar day (Tṛtīyā)

• yaiḥ: by those who

• upoṣitā: fasted/observed as a fast

• akṣayam: imperishable, inexhaustible

• phalam: fruit, reward

• āpnoti: attains, obtains

• sarvasya: of all

• sukṛtasya: of merit/virtuous deeds

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaiśākha
• Śukla-pakṣa
• Tṛtīyā
• Upoṣa (fasting)
• Sukṛta

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Ritual fasting
• Vaiśākha-māhātmya
• Merit

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse focuses on vrata (fasting) in Vaiśākha and the doctrine of akṣaya (imperishable) merit, not on pralaya cosmology.

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

It prescribes a practical dharma for householders (and rulers as exemplars): observing a calendrical fast (Vaiśākha Śukla Tṛtīyā) that is said to yield lasting spiritual merit, reinforcing discipline, charity-oriented piety, and public religiosity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights upoṣa on a specific tithi as a high-yield observance (akṣaya-phala). No Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated in this verse.