Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Glory of Prayaga: The Fruit of the Anashaka Fast and the Merit of the Yamuna

Devanagari script

विक्रयः सर्वभाण्डानां कार्याकार्यमजानतः प्रयागे का गतिस्तस्य तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह //

Transliteration

vikrayaḥ sarvabhāṇḍānāṃ kāryākāryamajānataḥ prayāge kā gatistasya tanme brūhi pitāmaha //

Translation

For one who lives by selling all kinds of goods, yet does not understand what ought to be done and what ought not to be done—what is that person’s fate at Prayāga? Tell me that, O Grandfather.

Word by Word

• vikrayaḥ: selling, trade

• sarva-bhāṇḍānām: of all wares/commodities

• kārya-akāryam: what should be done and what should not be done (right vs. wrong)

• ajānataḥ: of one who does not know/understand

• prayāge: at Prayāga (the sacred confluence)

• kā: what

• gatiḥ: destiny, spiritual outcome, final state

• tasya: of that person

• tat: that

• me: to me

• brūhi: tell (imperative)

• pitāmaha: O Grandfather (a revered elder, typically Brahmā)

Speaker

• An inquirer addressing Pitāmaha (Brahmā) in the Prayāga-mahātmya dialogue

Entities Mentioned

• Prayaga
• Pitamaha (Brahma)

Tags

• Prayaga
• Tirtha Mahatmya
• Dharma
• Ethics of livelihood
• Pilgrimage merit

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma and the karmic/spiritual outcome (gati) connected with pilgrimage to Prayāga.

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

It frames a core householder concern: earning through commerce while discerning kārya vs. akārya (ethical vs. unethical acts). It implies that livelihood and moral discrimination matter, and asks whether sacred pilgrimage can transform or redeem such a life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No architectural (vāstu) rule is stated; the ritual focus is Prayāga as a tīrtha where one’s ‘gati’ is evaluated in relation to conduct and understanding of dharma.