Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

मूलतापी पयोष्णी च पयोष्णीसंगमस्तथा महाबोधिः पाटला च नागतीर्थमवन्तिका //

Transliteration

mūlatāpī payoṣṇī ca payoṣṇīsaṃgamastathā mahābodhiḥ pāṭalā ca nāgatīrthamavantikā //

Translation

Likewise (there are) Mūla-tāpī, the river Payoṣṇī, and the confluence of the Payoṣṇī; also Mahābodhi, Pāṭalā, Nāga-tīrtha, and Avantikā (Ujjayinī)—all renowned sacred places.

Word by Word

mūla-tāpīthe source-region of the Tāpi (Tapti) river / a sacred spot connected with the Tāpi

payoṣṇīthe river Payoṣṇī (a named sacred river)

caand

payoṣṇī-saṃgamaḥthe confluence (meeting-place) of the Payoṣṇī

tathālikewise/also

mahābodhiḥMahābodhi (a great sacred ‘awakening’ site

pāṭalāPāṭalā (a place-name

nāga-tīrthamNāga-tīrtha (a pilgrimage ford/shrine associated with Nāgas)

avantikāAvantikā (Ujjayinī/Ujjain, a major holy city)

Speaker

Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s tirtha-listing in the Purāṇic discourse)

Entities Mentioned

Tāpi (Tapti)PayoṣṇīPayoṣṇī-saṅgamaMahābodhiPāṭalāNāga-tīrthaAvantikā (Ujjayinī/Ujjain)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it functions as a sacred-geography catalog, naming rivers, confluences, and holy sites revered for pilgrimage merit.

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

By listing tirthas, the verse supports the householder and ruler’s dharma of supporting pilgrimage, maintaining sacred sites, and undertaking purifying visits (especially to rivers and saṅgamas) as part of ethical and religious life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual emphasis is on tirtha-snana (bathing) and saṅgama-worship at river confluences; while no Vāstu rules are stated, such listings typically guide where shrines, ghāṭas, and worship-sites are ritually prioritized.