Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

वंशोद्भेदं हरोद्भेदं गङ्गोद्भेदं महाफलम् भद्रेश्वरं विष्णुपदं नर्मदाद्वारमेव च //

Transliteration

vaṃśodbhedaṃ harodbhedaṃ gaṅgodbhedaṃ mahāphalam bhadreśvaraṃ viṣṇupadaṃ narmadādvārameva ca //

Translation

Vaṃśodbheda, Harodbheda, and Gaṅgodbheda—these are tīrthas that bestow great spiritual reward; likewise (are holy) Bhadreśvara, Viṣṇupada, and the very gateway of the Narmadā (Narmadā-dvāra).

Word by Word

vaṃśa-udbhedam(the tirtha named) Vaṃśodbheda

hara-udbhedam(the tirtha named) Harodbheda (connected with Hara/Śiva)

gaṅgā-udbhedam(the tirtha named) Gaṅgodbheda (source/manifestation of the Gaṅgā)

mahā-phalamyielding great fruit/merit

bhadreśvaramBhadreśvara (auspicious Lord, a Śiva-tirtha/linga-site)

viṣṇu-padamViṣṇupada (the footprint/place of Viṣṇu)

narmadā-dvāramthe gate/entrance tirtha of the Narmadā

evaindeed/precisely

caand.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a tirtha-mahātmya listing)

Entities Mentioned

Hara (Shiva)GangaBhadreshvaraVishnupadaNarmada

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to a tirtha-mahātmya context, asserting that visiting specific sacred sites yields “great fruit” (mahāphala) in religious merit.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of undertaking pilgrimage and honoring sacred rivers and shrines—acts recommended for householders and rulers alike to accrue puṇya, purify conduct, and uphold public religion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse indicates shrine-centered tirthas (e.g., Bhadreśvara, Viṣṇupada) and river-threshold sites (Narmadā-dvāra), implying ritual bathing, offerings, and worship at established sacred markers such as a liṅga-site or a Viṣṇu footprint.