Shloka 69

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

घण्टेश्वरं बिल्वकं च नीलपर्वतमेव च तथा च धरणीतीर्थं रामतीर्थं तथैव च //

Transliteration

ghaṇṭeśvaraṃ bilvakaṃ ca nīlaparvatameva ca tathā ca dharaṇītīrthaṃ rāmatīrthaṃ tathaiva ca //

Translation

Also (there are) Ghaṇṭeśvara, Bilvaka, and likewise Nīla Mountain; and so too Dharaṇī-tīrtha and, in the same way, Rāma-tīrtha.

Word by Word

• ghaṇṭeśvaram: (the shrine/linga of) Ghaṇṭeśvara

• bilvakam: Bilvaka (a sacred place/grove associated with bilva trees)

• ca: and

• nīla-parvatam: Nīla Mountain

• eva: indeed/also

• tathā: likewise

• dharaṇī-tīrtham: Dharaṇī-tīrtha (a named sacred ford/pilgrimage spot)

• rāma-tīrtham: Rāma-tīrtha (a named sacred ford/pilgrimage spot)

• tathaiva: in the same manner/likewise

• ca: and

Speaker

• Suta Goswami (Sauti) narrating (Purana-style catalog of tirthas)

Entities Mentioned

• Ghaṇṭeśvara
• Bilvaka
• Nīla-parvata
• Dharaṇī-tīrtha
• Rāma-tīrtha

Tags

• Tirtha
• Pilgrimage
• Sacred geography
• Shiva shrine
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it functions as a catalog of sacred locations (tīrthas and shrines) for pilgrimage and worship.

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

It supports the dharma of pilgrimage and temple visitation—acts traditionally recommended for householders and rulers to maintain merit, public piety, and patronage of sacred sites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to tīrtha-bathing and shrine worship; architecturally, it implies established sacred precincts (especially a named Īśvara-shrine) that become focal points for temple maintenance and pilgrimage infrastructure.