Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Mandāra-Saptamī Vrata

Devanagari script

इमामघौघपटलभीषणध्वान्तदीपिकाम् गच्छन्प्रगृह्य संसारे सर्वार्थांश्च लभेन्नरः //

Transliteration

imāmaghaughapaṭalabhīṣaṇadhvāntadīpikām gacchanpragṛhya saṃsāre sarvārthāṃśca labhennaraḥ //

Translation

In this worldly existence, the man who goes forth holding fast to this “lamp” that dispels the dreadful darkness formed by masses of sin, attains all desired aims.

Word by Word

• imām: this

• agha: sin

• ogha: flood/mass

• paṭala: layer/veil

• bhīṣaṇa: terrifying

• dhvānta: darkness

• dīpikām: lamp/light (that illumines)

• gacchan: going forth/moving about

• pragṛhya: having firmly grasped/held

• saṃsāre: in saṃsāra, worldly life

• sarva-arthān: all aims/objects (prosperity, success, desired ends)

• ca: and

• labhet: attains/obtains

• naraḥ: a man/person

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a merit-giving teaching (mahātmya).

Tags

• Pāpa-nāśana
• Stotra-mahātmya
• Saṃsāra
• Dharma
• Protection

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses the metaphor of “darkness” to depict the obscuring power of accumulated sin and presents a dharmic/ devotional means that illumines one’s path through saṃsāra.

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

For a king or householder engaged in worldly responsibilities, the verse teaches that steadfast adherence to a purifying dharmic practice (here likened to a lamp) removes moral obscurations and supports the attainment of legitimate goals (artha and other aims) without being overwhelmed by pāpa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the “lamp” (dīpikā) is a spiritual metaphor for a protective recitation/teaching that dispels the darkness of sin.