Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Genealogy and Classification of Sacred Fires

Devanagari script

कावेरीं कृष्णवेणीं च नर्मदां यमुनां तथा गोदावरीं वितस्तां च चन्द्रभागामिरावतीम् //

Transliteration

kāverīṃ kṛṣṇaveṇīṃ ca narmadāṃ yamunāṃ tathā godāvarīṃ vitastāṃ ca candrabhāgāmirāvatīm //

Translation

Kāverī, Kṛṣṇaveṇī, Narmadā, and likewise Yamunā; Godāvarī and Vitastā as well; and also Candrabhāgā and Irāvatī—these sacred rivers are to be remembered and revered.

Word by Word

कावेरीम् (kāverīm)the Kāverī river

कृष्णवेणीम् (kṛṣṇaveṇīm)the Kṛṣṇaveṇī river

च (ca)and

नर्मदाम् (narmadām)the Narmadā river

यमुनाम् (yamunām)the Yamunā river

तथा (tathā)likewise/also

गोदावरीम् (godāvarīm)the Godāvarī river

वितस्ताम् (vitastām)the Vitastā river (Jhelum)

चन्द्रभागाम् (candrabhāgām)the Candrabhāgā river (Chenab)

इरावतीम् (irāvatīm)the Irāvatī river (Ravi)

Speaker

Suta (narrator) relaying the Matsya Purana’s tīrtha/rivers section (dialogue attribution within this verse is not explicit).

Entities Mentioned

KāverīKṛṣṇaveṇīNarmadāYamunāGodāvarīVitastāCandrabhāgāIrāvatī

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it functions as a tīrtha-style enumeration, emphasizing sacred geography—rivers revered for purity and merit.

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

By naming major sacred rivers, the verse supports dharmic practice such as tīrtha-yātrā, bathing, offerings, and remembrance—acts recommended for householders and supported by kings through protection of pilgrimage routes and riverbanks.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, these rivers are invoked for purification (snāna), offerings (tarpana), and merit; architecturally, river proximity commonly frames tīrtha layouts (ghāṭas, temples, and ritual precincts), though no specific Vāstu rule is stated in this line.