Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

सर्वकामसमृद्धेषु विमानेष्वपि पादजाः किं पुनः श्राद्धदा विप्रा भक्तिमन्तः क्रियान्विताः //

Transliteration

sarvakāmasamṛddheṣu vimāneṣvapi pādajāḥ kiṃ punaḥ śrāddhadā viprā bhaktimantaḥ kriyānvitāḥ //

Translation

Even those born from the feet attain celestial mansions (vimānas) abounding in every desired enjoyment; how much more, then, do Brahmins who perform śrāddha—endowed with devotion and diligent in proper rites—attain excellent results.

Word by Word

• sarva-kāma-samṛddheṣu: in (abodes) rich with all desired enjoyments

• vimāneṣu api: even in celestial mansions

• pāda-jāḥ: those born from the feet (Śūdras)

• kim punaḥ: how much more then

• śrāddha-dāḥ: performers/givers of śrāddha offerings

• viprāḥ: Brahmins

• bhakti-mantaḥ: possessing devotion

• kriyā-anvitāḥ: endowed with (correct) ritual action/observance

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Śrāddha
• Vipra (Brahmin)
• Pādaja (Śūdra)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛs
• Dharma
• Ritual Merit
• Matsya Purana ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it emphasizes karmic results (phala) from Śrāddha and disciplined ritual conduct, showing how ritual merit leads to higher states (like vimānas).

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

It supports the householder’s duty to perform Śrāddha with devotion and correct procedure; for rulers too, it frames patronage and personal observance of ancestral rites as part of sustaining dharma and social-religious order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights that devotion (bhakti) plus correct performance (kriyā) in Śrāddha yields exalted results; “vimāna” here denotes a celestial mansion rather than a temple-architecture rule.