Shloka 35

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

कालिका च नदी पुण्या वितस्ता च नदी तथा एतानि पितृतीर्थानि शस्यन्ते स्नानदानयोः //

Transliteration

kālikā ca nadī puṇyā vitastā ca nadī tathā etāni pitṛtīrthāni śasyante snānadānayoḥ //

Translation

The Kālikā river is sacred, and likewise the Vitastā river. These are praised as pitṛ-tīrthas—ancestral pilgrimage-fords—especially for ritual bathing and for the giving of gifts.

Word by Word

• कालिका (kālikā): the Kālikā river

• च (ca): and

• नदी (nadī): river

• पुण्या (puṇyā): holy, merit-bestowing

• वितस्ता (vitastā): the Vitastā river (Jhelum)

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• एतानि (etāni): these

• पितृतीर्थानि (pitṛtīrthāni): sacred fords/places connected with the ancestors (pitṛs)

• शस्यन्ते (śasyante): are praised, are commended

• स्नानदानयोः (snāna-dānayoḥ): for bathing and for gifting/charitable offerings (especially in śrāddha context).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kālikā River
• Vitastā River
• Pitṛs (ancestors)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Pitru-Tirtha
• Shraddha
• Snana
• Dana

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on tirtha-mahātmya—specific rivers praised as pitṛtīrthas where bathing and giving are especially fruitful.

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

It supports the householder’s duty of honoring ancestors through śrāddha-related acts—snāna (ritual bathing) and dāna (charitable giving)—performed at recognized pitṛtīrthas for enhanced merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it identifies Kālikā and Vitastā as pitṛtīrthas suited for ancestor-oriented rites, where bathing and gifting (often alongside tarpaṇa/śrāddha) are particularly recommended.