Shloka 57

Matsya Purana — Lineage of the Pitṛs

Devanagari script

तृतीयायामथाष्टम्यां बहुपुत्रो भवेन्नरः गोदाने श्राद्धदाने वा अहन्य् अहनि वा बुधः //

Transliteration

tṛtīyāyāmathāṣṭamyāṃ bahuputro bhavennaraḥ godāne śrāddhadāne vā ahany ahani vā budhaḥ //

Translation

On the third lunar day, and likewise on the eighth, a man becomes blessed with many sons. Whether by gifting a cow or by making offerings in a śrāddha-gift, the wise person should perform such giving day after day (when possible).

Word by Word

• tṛtīyāyām: on the third (tithi)

• atha: and then/also

• aṣṭamyām: on the eighth (tithi)

• bahu-putraḥ: having many sons

• bhavet: becomes

• naraḥ: a man

• go-dāne: in the gift of a cow/cow-giving

• śrāddha-dāne: in a śrāddha-related gift/charitable offering connected with ancestral rites

• vā: or

• ahani ahani: day by day/again and again

• budhaḥ: the wise (person).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (vrata/dāna discourse context)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Pitṛs (ancestors, implied by śrāddha)

Tags

• Dana
• Shraddha
• Tithi
• Putra-phala
• Vrata

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on ritual timing (tithi) and the merit gained from dāna and śrāddha-related giving.

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

It presents a householder-style dharma: performing charitable acts—especially go-dāna and śrāddha gifts—on auspicious lunar days, emphasizing regular generosity as a means to prosperity and lineage continuity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: it highlights tithi-based observance and the specific rite of go-dāna and śrāddha-dāna as meritorious practices.