Shloka 77

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

सप्तगोदावरीतीर्थं सर्वतीर्थेश्वरेश्वरम् तत्र श्राद्धं प्रदातव्यम् अनन्तफलमीप्सुभिः //

Transliteration

saptagodāvarītīrthaṃ sarvatīrtheśvareśvaram tatra śrāddhaṃ pradātavyam anantaphalamīpsubhiḥ //

Translation

At the sacred ford called Saptagodāvarī—supreme among the lords of all holy places—one should offer śrāddha there, if one seeks an endless spiritual reward.

Word by Word

• सप्तगोदावरीतीर्थम्: the Saptagodāvarī sacred ford

• सर्वतीर्थेश्वरेश्वरम्: the highest lord among the lords of all tīrthas (most supreme pilgrimage place)

• तत्र: there

• श्राद्धम्: ancestral rite/oblation for the departed (śrāddha)

• प्रदातव्यम्: should be given/offered

• अनन्तफलम्: endless fruit, imperishable merit

• ईप्सुभिः: by those who desire/seek

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a tirtha-mahatmya style discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Saptagodavari
• Godavari
• Tirtha
• Shraddha

Tags

• Tirtha Mahatmya
• Godavari
• Shraddha
• Ananta-phala
• Ritual Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it teaches tīrtha-mahātmya—how performing śrāddha at an especially exalted Godāvarī tīrtha yields imperishable merit.

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

It underscores gṛhastha-dharma: honoring ancestors through śrāddha. For kings and householders alike, supporting and performing such rites at renowned tīrthas is presented as a means to gain lasting religious merit and uphold lineage obligations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: perform śrāddha at Saptagodāvarī for “ananta-phala” (endless merit). No vastu/temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.