Shloka 24

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

Devanagari script

या गतिर् योगयुक्तस्य सत्यस्थस्य मनीषिणः सा गतिस्त्यजतः प्राणान् गङ्गायमुनसंगमे //

Transliteration

yā gatir yogayuktasya satyasthasya manīṣiṇaḥ sā gatistyajataḥ prāṇān gaṅgāyamunasaṃgame //

Translation

The very same destiny attained by a wise person established in truth and absorbed in yoga is attained by one who gives up his life-breath at the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā.

Word by Word

• yā gatiḥ: whatever (that) final state/destiny

• yoga-yuktasya: of one disciplined/steadfast in yoga

• satya-sthasya: of one abiding in truth

• manīṣiṇaḥ: of the wise/sage

• sā gatiḥ: that same destiny

• tyajataḥ prāṇān: of one who relinquishes the life-breath (dies)

• gaṅgā-yamunā-saṅgame: at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna (Prayaga).

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s tirtha-mahatmya teaching, traditionally in a discourse lineage from Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Ganga
• Yamuna
• Prayaga (Sangama)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Prayaga
• Moksha
• Yoga
• Satya

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches tirtha-mahātmya—claiming that death at the Prayāga confluence grants a liberation-like destiny comparable to that of a yogin established in truth.

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

It elevates satya (truthfulness) and yoga-discipline as ideals while also validating pilgrimage practice; for householders (and kings), supporting dharma through truthful conduct and undertaking sacred journeys to Prayāga is presented as a potent path toward auspicious ends.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the exceptional sanctity of the Gaṅgā–Yamunā saṅgama (Prayāga) as a tirtha where final rites or last moments are believed to yield the highest spiritual result.