Shloka 38

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

नदी मणिमती नाम तथा च गिरिकर्णिका धूतपापं तथा तीर्थं समुद्रो दक्षिणस्तथा //

Transliteration

nadī maṇimatī nāma tathā ca girikarṇikā dhūtapāpaṃ tathā tīrthaṃ samudro dakṣiṇastathā //

Translation

There is a river named Maṇimatī, and also (the stream) Girikarṇikā; likewise the sacred ford called Dhūtapāpa, and also the Southern Ocean.

Word by Word

• nadī: river

• maṇimatī: ‘Maṇimatī’ (name of a river)

• nāma: named/called

• tathā ca: and also/likewise

• girikarṇikā: ‘Girikarṇikā’ (name of a river or tirtha)

• dhūta-pāpam: ‘Dhūtapāpa’ (lit. ‘sins washed away’, name of a tirtha)

• tathā: likewise/also

• tīrtham: sacred ford/pilgrimage-place

• samudraḥ: ocean/sea

• dakṣiṇaḥ: southern

• tathā: also/likewise

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s tirtha list in a Purāṇic discourse tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Maṇimatī (river)
• Girikarṇikā (river/tirtha)
• Dhūtapāpa (tirtha)
• Dakṣiṇa-samudra (Southern Ocean)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Sacred Rivers
• Pilgrimage
• Punya
• Matsya Purana Geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it catalogues sacred rivers and tirthas, emphasizing a Purāṇic map of holy geography rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By naming rivers and tirthas, the verse supports the dharma of pilgrimage (tīrtha-yātrā), charity, and purification practices—recommended observances for householders and also patronized by kings as public religion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, these named tirthas function as sanctioned sites for स्नान (sacred bathing), vows, and offerings; the verse’s significance is primarily liturgical and geographical rather than temple-architectural (Vāstu) instruction.