Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Kailasa

Devanagari script

सप्तमी त्वनुगा तासां दक्षिणेन भगीरथम् तस्माद्भागीरथी सा वै प्रविष्टा दक्षिणोदधिम् //

Transliteration

saptamī tvanugā tāsāṃ dakṣiṇena bhagīratham tasmādbhāgīrathī sā vai praviṣṭā dakṣiṇodadhim //

Translation

But the seventh stream, following after them, went along the southern course of the Bhāgīratha; therefore that branch is indeed called Bhāgīrathī, having entered the Southern Ocean.

Word by Word

• saptamī: the seventh (stream/branch)

• tu: but/indeed

• anugā: following (as a follower stream)

• tāsām: of them (of those streams)

• dakṣiṇena: by the southern (route)/to the south

• bhagīratham: the Bhāgīratha (Ganga as brought by King Bhagīratha)/the river Bhāgīratha

• tasmāt: therefore/from that reason

• bhāgīrathī: (named) Bhāgīrathī

• sā: she/that (river)

• vai: indeed

• praviṣṭā: entered/flowed into

• dakṣiṇa-udadhim: the Southern Ocean.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue with Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhāgīratha
• Bhāgīrathī
• Dakṣiṇodadhi (Southern Ocean)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Ganga
• Sacred Geography
• River Mythology
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya; it maps sacred geography, explaining how a particular branch of the Bhāgīratha/Gaṅgā is named Bhāgīrathī due to its southward course and ocean-entry.

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

Indirectly, it supports tirtha-yātrā and reverence for sacred waters: knowing river courses and their sanctity guides householders in pilgrimage, vows, and river-rites, and guides kings in protecting holy sites and waterways.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes the sanctity of a river’s sangama (ocean-confluence), a prime location for snāna, tarpaṇa, and śrāddha; architecturally, it implies the importance of siting ghāṭas and shrines near major sacred water junctions.