Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

तीर्थं त्रैयम्बकं नाम सर्वतीर्थनमस्कृतम् यत्रास्ते भगवानीशः स्वयमेव त्रिलोचनः //

Transliteration

tīrthaṃ traiyambakaṃ nāma sarvatīrthanamaskṛtam yatrāste bhagavānīśaḥ svayameva trilocanaḥ //

Translation

There is a sacred ford called Traiyambaka, revered and saluted by all other holy places; for there the Blessed Lord—Īśa, the Three‑eyed One (Trilocana)—abides in person.

Word by Word

• तीर्थम् (tīrtham): sacred ford/pilgrimage place

• त्रैयम्बकम् (traiyambakam): Traiyambaka/Trimbaka (the three‑eyed Lord, also the tirtha-name)

• नाम (nāma): named/called

• सर्वतीर्थनमस्कृतम् (sarvatīrtha-namaskṛtam): honored/saluted by all tirthas (i.e., foremost among pilgrimage sites)

• यत्र (yatra): where

• आस्ते (āste): resides/abides

• भगवान् (bhagavān): the Blessed Lord

• ईशः (īśaḥ): Īśa, Lord (Śiva)

• स्वयम् एव (svayam eva): himself, personally

• त्रिलोचनः (trilocanaḥ): the Three‑eyed one (Śiva).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Traiyambaka (Trimbakeshvara Tirtha)
• Isha (Shiva)
• Trilocana (Three-eyed Shiva)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Shiva
• Sacred Geography
• Pilgrimage
• Temple Worship

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to a tirtha-mahātmya passage, emphasizing sacred geography—specifically the supremacy of the Traiyambaka tirtha because Śiva is said to dwell there directly.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of tīrtha-yātrā and devotion: householders and rulers are encouraged to honor foremost pilgrimage sites, strengthening public religion, charity, and temple patronage centered on places where the deity is believed to be especially present.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the key point is the doctrine of special divine presence (svayam eva) at a tirtha—making worship, abhiṣeka, and offerings to Śiva at Traiyambaka particularly meritorious; architecturally, it implicitly elevates the site as a prime locus for Śiva-temple establishment and maintenance.