Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

यच्छन्ति पितरः पुष्टिं स्वर्गारोग्यं प्रजाफलम् देवकार्यादपि पुनः पितृकार्यं विशिष्यते //

Transliteration

yacchanti pitaraḥ puṣṭiṃ svargārogyaṃ prajāphalam devakāryādapi punaḥ pitṛkāryaṃ viśiṣyate //

Translation

The Pitṛs (ancestral spirits) bestow nourishment and well-being, heaven, freedom from disease, and the blessing of progeny. Therefore, even compared to rites offered to the gods, ancestral rites (pitṛ-kārya) are declared superior.

Word by Word

• yacchanti: bestow, grant

• pitaraḥ: the Pitṛs/ancestors

• puṣṭim: nourishment, prosperity, strength

• svarga: heaven

• ārogyam: health, freedom from disease

• prajā-phalam: the fruit of progeny/offspring-blessing

• deva-kāryāt: than divine rites/acts for the gods

• api: even

• punaḥ: again, moreover

• pitṛ-kāryam: ancestral rite/Śrāddha, offerings to Pitṛs

• viśiṣyate: is distinguished as superior/excellent

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Pitaraḥ (Pitṛs/ancestors)
• Deva (gods)

Tags

• Pitṛ-yajña
• Śrāddha
• Gṛhastha-dharma
• Ritual hierarchy
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it teaches ritual-dharma, stating that honoring the Pitṛs through ancestral rites yields tangible worldly and heavenly fruits.

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

It prioritizes pitṛ-kārya (Śrāddha/Pitṛ-yajña) as a key duty—especially for householders and rulers responsible for upholding dharma—promising prosperity, health, heaven, and continuity of lineage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: it elevates ancestral offerings as more efficacious than even deva-rites, emphasizing correct performance of Pitṛ-yajña/Śrāddha for desired results.