Shloka 39

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

एतेषु पितृतीर्थेषु श्राद्धमानन्त्यमश्नुते तीर्थं मेघकरं नाम स्वयमेव जनार्दनः //

Transliteration

eteṣu pitṛtīrtheṣu śrāddhamānantyamaśnute tīrthaṃ meghakaraṃ nāma svayameva janārdanaḥ //

Translation

At these ancestral sacred fords (pitṛ-tīrthas), the performance of śrāddha yields inexhaustible merit. There is a holy ford named Meghakara, where Janārdana (Viṣṇu) Himself is present.

Word by Word

• eteṣu: among these

• pitṛ-tīrtheṣu: in the ancestral/pitṛ sacred bathing-places

• śrāddham: the śrāddha rite/ancestral offering

• ānantyam: endlessness/inexhaustible (merit)

• aśnute: attains/enjoys

• tīrtham: sacred ford/pilgrimage place

• meghakaram: Meghakara (name of a tīrtha, lit. 'cloud-maker')

• nāma: named/called

• svayam eva: Himself alone/indeed personally

• janārdanaḥ: Janārdana (Viṣṇu)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s Manu–Matsya dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Janardana
• Vishnu
• Pitrs
• Shraddha
• Meghakara Tirtha

Tags

• Tirtha
• Shraddha
• Pitrs
• Ritual Merit
• Vaishnava

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it emphasizes a ritual principle: performing śrāddha at designated pitṛ-tīrthas grants inexhaustible merit, with Viṣṇu’s sanctifying presence at Meghakara.

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

It supports the gṛhastha-dharma duty of honoring ancestors through śrāddha; for kings and householders alike, properly performed ancestral rites at sacred tīrthas are presented as a high-yield dharmic act.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: pitṛ-tīrthas are specialized pilgrimage sites for śrāddha, and Meghakara is singled out as a Viṣṇu-sanctified tīrtha, implying heightened efficacy for ancestral offerings there.