Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Ila–Sudyumna Episode and the Expansion of the Ikṣvāku

Devanagari script

समयः शम्भुदयिताकृतः शरवणे पुरा यः पुमान्प्रविशेद् अत्र स नारीत्वमवाप्स्यति //

Transliteration

samayaḥ śambhudayitākṛtaḥ śaravaṇe purā yaḥ pumānpraviśed atra sa nārītvamavāpsyati //

Translation

This is the ancient ordinance established in the Śaravana grove by Śambhu’s beloved: any man who enters here shall attain womanhood.

Word by Word

• समयः: ordinance/established rule

• शम्भु: Śambhu (Śiva)

• दयिता: beloved consort

• कृतः: made/ordained

• शरवणे: in Śaravana (the reed/grove)

• पुरा: formerly/of old

• यः: whoever

• पुमान्: a man

• प्रविशेत्: should enter

• अत्र: here

• सः: he

• नारीत्वम्: the state of being a woman/womanhood

• अवाप्स्यति: will obtain/attain

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) describing a sacred-site rule within the Matsya Purana’s tirtha/mahatmya-style narration

Entities Mentioned

• Shambhu (Shiva)
• Shambhu’s beloved (Parvati/Devi)
• Sharavana

Tags

• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Sacred Grove
• Devi-Shakti
• Boons and Curses
• Pilgrimage

FAQs

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

It does not address Pralaya; it highlights a localized sacred ordinance (samaya) where a holy site produces an extraordinary transformation as a sign of divine power.

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

Indirectly, it warns householders and rulers to approach sacred places with restraint and awareness of vows and prohibitions (niyamas), since tirthas are portrayed as potent and rule-governed.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The focus is ritual/topographical rather than architectural: the Śaravana grove is treated as a charged sacred zone where entry itself functions like a rite with a definite, extraordinary फल (result).