Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Procedure for Going to Prayaga and the Greatness of the Ganga

Devanagari script

तत्राभिषेकं यः कुर्यात् संगमे शंसितव्रतः तुल्यं फलमवाप्नोति राजसूयाश्वमेधयोः //

Transliteration

tatrābhiṣekaṃ yaḥ kuryāt saṃgame śaṃsitavrataḥ tulyaṃ phalamavāpnoti rājasūyāśvamedhayoḥ //

Translation

Whoever performs the ritual ablution (abhiṣeka) there, at the sacred confluence (saṅgama), observing a duly proclaimed vow, attains a reward equal to that of the Rājasūya and the Aśvamedha sacrifices.

Word by Word

• tatra: there (at that sacred place)

• abhiṣekam: ritual bathing/ablution, ceremonial anointing

• yaḥ: whoever

• kuryāt: should do/performs

• saṅgame: at the confluence (of rivers/sacred meeting-point)

• śaṃsita-vrataḥ: one who has undertaken a prescribed/proclaimed vow (disciplined observance)

• tulyaṃ: equal

• phalam: fruit, spiritual merit

• avāpnoti: obtains/attains

• rājasūya-aśvamedhayoḥ: of the Rājasūya and Aśvamedha (royal Vedic sacrifices).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Saṅgama (sacred confluence)
• Rājasūya
• Aśvamedha

Tags

• Tirtha
• Saṅgama
• Abhiṣeka
• Vrata
• Yajña-phala

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it focuses on tīrtha-mahātmya—how a disciplined abhiṣeka at a sacred saṅgama yields extraordinary religious merit.

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

It offers an accessible dharmic alternative: by observing a proper vow and performing abhiṣeka at a saṅgama, even householders (and kings) can gain merit comparable to major royal sacrifices, emphasizing disciplined practice over costly ritual power.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is central: abhiṣeka (ceremonial bathing/anointing) performed at a saṅgama, together with a vrata, is declared as highly efficacious—equal in fruit to Rājasūya and Aśvamedha.