Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

*सूत उवाच विभ्राजा नाम चान्ये तु दिवि सन्ति सुवर्चसः लोका बर्हिषदो यत्र पितरः सन्ति सुव्रताः //

Transliteration

*sūta uvāca vibhrājā nāma cānye tu divi santi suvarcasaḥ lokā barhiṣado yatra pitaraḥ santi suvratāḥ //

Translation

Sūta said: In heaven there are radiant worlds as well; among them is one called Vibhrājā. There dwell the Pitṛs known as the Barhiṣads, steadfast in sacred vows and observances.

Word by Word

• sūta uvāca: Sūta said

• vibhrājā: (a realm) named Vibhrājā

• nāma: by name

• ca: and

• anye: other (worlds)

• tu: indeed

• divi: in heaven

• santi: exist/are

• suvarcasaḥ: radiant, splendid

• lokāḥ: worlds/regions

• barhiṣadaḥ: the Barhiṣad Pitṛs (those associated with the sacred barhis/ritual grass)

• yatra: where

• pitaraḥ: the Pitṛs/ancestors

• santi: dwell/are

• suvratāḥ: of good vows, strict in observances

Speaker

• Suta

Entities Mentioned

• Suta
• Vibhrājā (loka)
• Barhiṣad Pitṛs
• Pitṛs

Tags

• Pitrloka
• Svarga
• Afterlife
• Ritualism
• Cosmography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it maps post-death cosmic geography by naming a heavenly realm (Vibhrājā) where the Barhiṣad Pitṛs reside.

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

By highlighting the Pitṛs (ancestors) and their ritual identity as Barhiṣads, it implicitly supports the householder duty of śrāddha and ancestral rites, which uphold lineage continuity and social dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The term Barhiṣad points to Vedic ritual practice involving barhis (sacrificial grass), indicating a śrauta-ritual background rather than temple architecture or Vāstu rules.