Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Pitṛ Worlds

Devanagari script

देवतानां च पितरः पूर्वमाप्यायनं स्मृतम् शीघ्रप्रसादास्त्वक्रोधा निःशस्त्राः स्थिरसौहृदाः //

Transliteration

devatānāṃ ca pitaraḥ pūrvamāpyāyanaṃ smṛtam śīghraprasādāstvakrodhā niḥśastrāḥ sthirasauhṛdāḥ //

Translation

The Pitṛs (ancestral beings) of the gods are remembered as those who are first to be nourished and satisfied; they are swift to grant favor, free from anger, unarmed, and steadfast in friendship.

Word by Word

• devatānām: of the gods

• ca: and

• pitaraḥ: the Pitṛs/ancestors

• pūrvam: first/foremost

• āpyāyanam: nourishment, replenishment, satisfaction

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared

• śīghra-prasādāḥ: quick to be pleased, swift in granting grace

• tu: indeed

• akrodhāḥ: free from anger

• niḥśastrāḥ: without weapons, non-violent

• sthira-sauhṛdāḥ: steady in goodwill/friendship

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitaraḥ (Pitṛs)
• Devatāḥ (gods)

Tags

• Pitṛs
• Dharma
• Ritual
• Ancestral offerings
• Qualities

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it characterizes the Pitṛs as benevolent and easily pleased—supporting the broader Purāṇic idea that cosmic order is sustained through dharma and proper rites rather than through force.

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

It supports the householder/kingly duty of honoring ancestors through offerings (tarpaṇa/śrāddha): the Pitṛs are said to be ‘first to be satisfied’ and quick to bestow favor, implying that regular ancestral rites strengthen welfare, harmony, and social stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the key term is āpyāyana—‘nourishing/satisfying’—which aligns with Pitṛ-tarpaṇa and śrāddha intentions: offerings are meant to replenish and please the ancestors, who are described as non-violent and steady well-wishers.