Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

सुस्वधा नाम पितरो यत्र तिष्ठन्ति सुव्रताः आज्यपा नाम लोकेषु कर्दमस्य प्रजापतेः //

Transliteration

susvadhā nāma pitaro yatra tiṣṭhanti suvratāḥ ājyapā nāma lokeṣu kardamasya prajāpateḥ //

Translation

In that realm dwell the Pitṛs known as Susvadhā—virtuous and faithful to their vows. In the worlds assigned to the ancestral hosts are also those called Ājyapā, belonging to Prajāpati Kardama.

Word by Word

• susvadhā: ‘Susvadhā’ (a class/name of Pitṛs)

• nāma: named/called

• pitaraḥ: the Fathers/ancestral spirits

• yatra: where

• tiṣṭhanti: dwell/abide

• su-vratāḥ: of good vows, righteous in observances

• ājyapāḥ: ‘Ājyapā’ (ghee-drinking class of Pitṛs)

• nāma: named/called

• lokeṣu: in the worlds/realms

• kardamasya: of Kardama

• prajāpateḥ: of the Prajāpati (progenitor).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s cosmological account, traditionally in dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs (Ancestors)
• Susvadhā Pitṛs
• Ājyapā Pitṛs
• Prajāpati Kardama

Tags

• Pitrloka
• Ancestor classes
• Cosmology
• Manvantara lore
• Ritual lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it maps the cosmic arrangement of Pitṛ-groups (Susvadhā, Ājyapā) and their realms, a standard cosmological catalog within sarga/manvantara-style narration.

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

By identifying Pitṛ classes and their cosmic stations, it supports the Purāṇic foundation for śrāddha and ancestor-offerings—key householder duties—and reinforces the king’s role in upholding Vedic-Purāṇic rites that sustain social-religious order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to the Pitṛ-centric framework behind śrāddha and offerings (notably ājya/ghee, echoed by the name Ājyapā). It contains no direct Vāstu or temple-architecture rule, but it underpins why Pitṛ rites are performed with specific substances and intent.