Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines, Shloka 51

Devanagari script

*सूत उवाच गवां धर्मं तु वै श्रुत्वा संभ्रान्तस्तु विसृज्य तम् शक्त्यान्नपानदानात्तु गोपतिं संप्रसादयत् //

Transliteration

*sūta uvāca gavāṃ dharmaṃ tu vai śrutvā saṃbhrāntastu visṛjya tam śaktyānnapānadānāttu gopatiṃ saṃprasādayat //

Translation

Sūta said: Having heard the sacred duty concerning cattle, he became deeply stirred; and releasing him, he then, according to his means, pleased the lord and protector of the cows by gifts of food and drink.

Word by Word

• sūta uvāca: Sūta said

• gavām: of cows/cattle

• dharmam: duty, righteous ordinance

• tu vai: indeed

• śrutvā: having heard

• saṃbhrāntaḥ: agitated, moved with reverence/concern

• tu: then

• visṛjya: releasing, letting go

• tam: him

• śaktyā: according to one’s capacity

• anna: food

• pāna: drink, beverage

• dānāt: by giving, from the act of donation

• tu: and thus

• gopatim: lord/protector of cows (cowherd/guardian)

• saṃprasādayat: pleased, propitiated, gratified

Speaker

• Sūta

Entities Mentioned

• Sūta
• Gopati (protector/lord of cows)

Tags

• Dharma
• Go-dharma
• Dāna
• Hospitality
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dharma related to cattle and the merit of pleasing a protector through appropriate gifts.

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

It highlights a practical dharmic duty: after learning the proper conduct regarding cattle, one should act with humility and, within one’s means, support and honor protectors/guardians through annapāna-dāna (gifts of food and drink)—a core householder and governance ethic.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual-ethical takeaway is annapāna-dāna—propitiation and social-religious harmony through feeding and refreshment offered according to capacity.