Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Description of the Akṣaya Tṛtīyā Observance

Devanagari script

तृतीयायां समभ्यर्च्य सोपवासो जनार्दनम् राजसूयफलं प्राप्य गतिमग्र्यां च विन्दति //

Transliteration

tṛtīyāyāṃ samabhyarcya sopavāso janārdanam rājasūyaphalaṃ prāpya gatimagryāṃ ca vindati //

Translation

On the third lunar day (Tṛtīyā), one who worships Lord Janārdana while observing a fast (upavāsa) attains the merit of the Rājasūya sacrifice and also obtains the highest state (supreme liberation).

Word by Word

• तृतीयायाम् (tṛtīyāyām): on the third lunar day (tithi)

• समभ्यर्च्य (samabhyarcya): having duly worshipped

• सोपवासः (sopavāsaḥ): together with fasting, while fasting

• जनार्दनम् (janārdanam): Janārdana (Vishnu)

• राजसूयफलम् (rājasūya-phalam): the fruit/merit of the Rājasūya sacrifice

• प्राप्य (prāpya): having obtained

• गतिम् (gatim): state, destination

• अग्र्यां (agryāṃ): highest, foremost

• च (ca): and

• विन्दति (vindati): attains, finds.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s dialogue style)

Entities Mentioned

• Janardana
• Vishnu
• Rajasūya

Tags

• Vrata
• Upavasa
• Vishnu-bhakti
• Tithi
• Ritual merit

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it teaches ritual merit—fasting and worship of Janārdana on the third tithi yields exalted spiritual results.

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

It offers a practical dharma-path: instead of undertaking an immense royal rite like the Rājasūya, a king or householder may gain comparable merit through disciplined fasting and devoted worship of Vishnu.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is tithi-based worship: performing Janārdana-pūjā on Tritīyā with upavāsa is prescribed as a high-merit observance, equated with the fruit of a major Vedic sacrifice.