Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

गयापिण्डप्रदानेन समान्याहुर्महर्षयः एतानि पितृतीर्थानि सर्वपापहराणि च //

Transliteration

gayāpiṇḍapradānena samānyāhurmaharṣayaḥ etāni pitṛtīrthāni sarvapāpaharāṇi ca //

Translation

The great seers declare these to be equal to the offering of piṇḍas at Gayā; these ancestral tīrthas (Pitṛ-tīrtha) remove all sins.

Word by Word

• gayā: at Gayā

• piṇḍa: rice-ball offering for ancestors

• pradānena: by giving/offering

• samāni: equal (in merit)

• āhuḥ: (they) say/declare

• maharṣayaḥ: great sages

• etāni: these

• pitṛ-tīrthāni: ancestral sacred fords/pilgrimage places

• sarva: all

• pāpa: sins

• harāṇi: removing/destroying

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, as the primary dialogue frame of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Gayā
• Maharṣis
• Pitṛs (ancestors)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛtīrtha
• Piṇḍa-dāna
• Gayā
• Pilgrimage

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on ancestral rites, stating that certain pitṛtīrthas have sin-destroying power comparable to Gayā piṇḍa-dāna.

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

It reinforces gṛhastha-dharma: honoring ancestors through śrāddha and pilgrimage/offerings. Supporting or facilitating such rites and tīrthas is also consistent with royal dharma as public religious welfare.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is central: piṇḍa-pradāna (ancestral rice-ball offerings) and the sanctity of pitṛtīrthas—places where such offerings are believed to yield exceptional merit and cleanse sin.