Shloka 74

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

वैकुण्ठतीर्थं च परं भीमेश्वरमथापि वा एतेषु श्राद्धदातारः प्रयान्ति परमां गतिम् //

Transliteration

vaikuṇṭhatīrthaṃ ca paraṃ bhīmeśvaramathāpi vā eteṣu śrāddhadātāraḥ prayānti paramāṃ gatim //

Translation

At Vaikuṇṭha-tīrtha, and likewise at the supreme holy place Bhīmeśvara—those who offer Śrāddha at these sacred sites attain the highest state, the supreme destiny.

Word by Word

• वैकुण्ठतीर्थम् (vaikuṇṭha-tīrtham): the sacred ford/place named Vaikuṇṭha

• च (ca): and

• परम् (param): supreme, highest, most excellent

• भीमेश्वरम् (bhīmeśvaram): Bhīmeśvara (a revered Śiva shrine/holy place)

• अथापि वा (athāpi vā): or else, also

• एतेषु (eteṣu): in these (places)

• श्राद्धदातारः (śrāddha-dātāraḥ): givers/performers of Śrāddha offerings

• प्रयान्ति (prayānti): go, attain

• परमाम् (paramām): highest

• गतिम् (gatim): goal, destination, state of liberation/blessedness

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution typical of Matsya Purana dialogues)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaikuṇṭha-tīrtha
• Bhīmeśvara
• Śrāddha

Tags

• Tirtha Mahatmya
• Shraddha
• Ritual Merit
• Pilgrimage
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it emphasizes ritual efficacy—Śrāddha performed at specific tīrthas grants the performer the “highest state” (paramā gati).

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

It frames Śrāddha and pilgrimage as core gṛhastha-dharma: by honoring ancestors through proper offerings at renowned sacred sites, one fulfills familial and religious obligations and gains elevated spiritual merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights tīrtha-specific Śrāddha (place-based merit). Architecturally it implies the sanctity of major shrines like Bhīmeśvara as focal pilgrimage centers, though it gives no construction rules in this verse.