Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Marks of Karma-yoga and the Five Great Daily Sacrifices

Devanagari script

ॐ ॐ ब्रह्मणा चाथ सूर्येण विष्णुनाथ शिवेन वा अभेदात्पूजितेन स्यात् पूजितं सचराचरम् //

Transliteration

oṃ oṃ brahmaṇā cātha sūryeṇa viṣṇunātha śivena vā abhedātpūjitena syāt pūjitaṃ sacarācaram //

Translation

Om, Om. Whether one worships Brahmā, or the Sun, or Lord Viṣṇu, or Śiva—when worship is performed with the understanding of non-difference, the entire world of moving and unmoving beings becomes worshipped.

Word by Word

• oṃ oṃ: sacred syllable, auspicious invocation

• brahmaṇā: by/with Brahmā (as the chosen deity)

• ca atha: and also/then

• sūryeṇa: by/with the Sun (Sūrya)

• viṣṇunātha: by/with Lord Viṣṇu

• śivena vā: or by/with Śiva

• abhedāt: from (the standpoint of) non-difference, non-duality, essential unity

• pūjitena: by one who has worshipped / by worship being done

• syāt: becomes, is said to be

• pūjitam: worshipped, honored

• sacarācaram: (the universe) with the moving and the unmoving—all beings.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahma
• Surya
• Vishnu
• Shiva

Tags

• Puja
• Devata-abheda
• Hari-Hara
• Smarta tradition
• Ritual philosophy

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it presents a theological principle that the one sacred reality pervades all beings, so worship offered with non-difference reaches the whole cosmos (sacarācaram).

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

It supports inclusive, non-sectarian daily worship: a king or householder may choose a deity (Brahmā, Sūrya, Viṣṇu, or Śiva) yet maintain reverence for all, cultivating social harmony and steady dharma through unified devotion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it authorizes a single-deity focus (iṣṭa-devatā) while affirming that proper intent (abheda-bhāva) makes the worship universally efficacious—useful for temple/household pūjā where one sanctum or icon stands for the all-pervading divine.