Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

श्राद्धमेतेषु सर्वेषु कोटिकोटिगुणं भवेत् स्मरणादपि पापानि नश्यन्ति शतधा द्विजाः //

Transliteration

śrāddhameteṣu sarveṣu koṭikoṭiguṇaṃ bhavet smaraṇādapi pāpāni naśyanti śatadhā dvijāḥ //

Translation

O twice-born ones (dvijas), when the Śrāddha rite is performed in all these places, its merit is multiplied by crores upon crores; even by mere remembrance, sins are destroyed a hundredfold.

Word by Word

• श्राद्धम् (śrāddham): the śrāddha rite/ancestor offering

• एतेषु (eteṣu): in these (cases/occasions)

• सर्वेषु (sarveṣu): in all

• कोटि-कोटि-गुणम् (koṭi-koṭi-guṇam): multiplied by crores upon crores

• भवेत् (bhavet): becomes/comes to be

• स्मरणात् (smaraṇāt): from remembrance/by remembering

• अपि (api): even

• पापानि (pāpāni): sins/impurities

• नश्यन्ति (naśyanti): perish/are destroyed

• शतधा (śatadhā): a hundredfold

• द्विजाः (dvijāḥ): O twice-born (Brāhmaṇas/initiated classes)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu; addressed to dvijas within the discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Śrāddha
• Dvija

Tags

• Dharma
• Śrāddha
• Ritual Merit
• Pāpa-kṣaya
• Smṛti (Remembrance)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it emphasizes dharma through Śrāddha, teaching that ritual merit and even remembrance can powerfully remove sin.

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

It supports the gṛhastha duty of honoring ancestors and maintaining ritual order; performing Śrāddha as prescribed is presented as a major source of merit and purification.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): Śrāddha performed in the recommended contexts yields immense multiplied merit, and even mindful recollection is said to destroy sins.