Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Prayaga Mahatmya Begins: Yudhishthira’s Remorse

Devanagari script

लब्धसंज्ञो यदा राजा चिन्तयन्स पुनः पुनः कतरो विनियोगो वा नियमं तीर्थमेव च //

Transliteration

labdhasaṃjño yadā rājā cintayansa punaḥ punaḥ kataro viniyogo vā niyamaṃ tīrthameva ca //

Translation

When the king regained awareness, he reflected again and again: “Which application of this rite is proper? What restraint should be observed? And which sacred ford (tīrtha) indeed should be chosen?”

Word by Word

• लब्धसंज्ञः (labdha-saṃjñaḥ): having regained consciousness/awareness

• यदा (yadā): when

• राजा (rājā): the king

• चिन्तयन् (cintayan): reflecting, pondering

• पुनः पुनः (punaḥ punaḥ): again and again

• कतरः (kataraḥ): which of the alternatives/which one

• विनियोगः (viniyogaḥ): proper application/employment (of a rite, gift, or observance)

• वा (vā): or/and

• नियमम् (niyamam): restraint, rule of observance, discipline

• तीर्थम् (tīrtham): sacred place/fording-place, pilgrimage site

• एव (eva): indeed/precisely

• च (ca): and.

Speaker

• Narrator (Suta-style narration within the Purana’s discourse framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Raja (the King)
• Tirtha (sacred ford/pilgrimage site)
• Niyama (religious restraint)
• Viniyoga (ritual application)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Tirtha
• Vrata
• Ritual procedure
• Ethics of observance

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights post-event deliberation—clarifying the correct ritual application (viniyoga), discipline (niyama), and selection of a tīrtha.

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

It models a king’s dharmic responsibility: before acting, he repeatedly examines what is properly applicable, what restraints must be followed, and where the act should be performed—emphasizing conscientious, rule-based religious conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: correct viniyoga (how a rite or gift is to be applied), niyama (the required disciplines), and tīrtha-selection (the proper sacred venue) are treated as essential components of a valid observance.