Shloka 54

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

दानमेतेषु सर्वेषु दत्तं कोटिशताधिकम् बाहुदा च नदीपुण्या तथा सिद्धवनं शुभम् //

Transliteration

dānameteṣu sarveṣu dattaṃ koṭiśatādhikam bāhudā ca nadīpuṇyā tathā siddhavanaṃ śubham //

Translation

Among all these sacred contexts, a gift (dāna) that is given yields merit exceeding hundreds of koṭis. Moreover, the Bāhudā—an auspicious, purifying river—is praised, and likewise the holy Siddhavana, a blessed (śubha) sacred grove.

Word by Word

• दानम् (dānam): charitable gift

• एतेषु (eteṣu): among these

• सर्वेषु (sarveṣu): in all

• दत्तम् (dattam): given/offered

• कोटिशताधिकम् (koṭi-śata-adhikam): exceeding hundreds of crores (immense merit)

• बाहुदा (bāhudā): the river named Bāhudā

• च (ca): and

• नदीपुण्या (nadī-puṇyā): a meritorious/sin-purifying river

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• सिद्धवनम् (siddhavanam): Siddhavana (a sacred grove/forest/holy site)

• शुभम् (śubham): auspicious, благой

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching on dana and tirthas)

Entities Mentioned

• Bāhudā (river)
• Siddhavana (sacred site)

Tags

• Dana
• Tirtha
• Punya
• Sacred Rivers
• Pilgrimage

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on the extraordinary merit (puṇya) of charitable giving connected with sacred contexts and holy places.

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

It reinforces dāna as a core dharma: householders and rulers are encouraged to give generously—especially in sanctified settings—because such giving is said to multiply merit immensely.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is tirtha-centered: the verse highlights sacred geography (a holy river and a holy grove/site), implying that offerings and gifts performed at such places are ritually amplified in merit.