Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

पितॄणां वल्लभा ह्य् एताः श्राद्धे कोटिगुणा मताः जम्बूमार्गं महापुण्यं यत्र मार्गो हि लक्ष्यते //

Transliteration

pitṝṇāṃ vallabhā hy etāḥ śrāddhe koṭiguṇā matāḥ jambūmārgaṃ mahāpuṇyaṃ yatra mārgo hi lakṣyate //

Translation

These observances are indeed dear to the Pitṛs; in the śrāddha rite they are held to yield merit a koṭi-fold. The Jambū-path (Jambū-mārga) is supremely meritorious—there the sacred route is clearly discerned.

Word by Word

• pitṝṇām: of the ancestors (Pitṛs)

• vallabhāḥ: beloved, dear

• hi: indeed

• etāḥ: these (things/acts)

• śrāddhe: in the śrāddha rite

• koṭi-guṇā: multiplied a crore-fold

• matāḥ: considered, taught

• jambū-mārgam: the Jambū path/route (Jambūmārga)

• mahā-puṇyam: greatly meritorious

• yatra: where

• mārgaḥ: the path/route

• hi: indeed

• lakṣyate: is seen/recognized/marked out.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Śrāddha
• Jambūmārga

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛs
• Ritual Dharma
• Merit (Puṇya)
• Sacred Geography

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it emphasizes ritual merit in śrāddha and the recognition of a sacred route (Jambūmārga) connected to ancestor-focused rites.

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

It reinforces the householder duty (gṛhastha-dharma) of performing śrāddha for ancestors, teaching that properly done offerings are especially pleasing to the Pitṛs and yield greatly multiplied merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: śrāddha acts are said to become ‘koṭiguṇa’ (crore-fold) in result, and the verse points to a sanctified pilgrimage/ritual route (Jambūmārga) where the prescribed path is identifiable.