Shloka 31

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

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मचारी जितक्रोधस् त्रिरात्रं यदि तिष्ठति सर्वपापविशुद्धात्मा सो ऽश्वमेधफलं लभेत् //

Transliteration

brahmacārī jitakrodhas trirātraṃ yadi tiṣṭhati sarvapāpaviśuddhātmā so 'śvamedhaphalaṃ labhet //

Translation

If a celibate student (brahmacārin), having conquered anger, maintains the observance for three nights, he is purified of all sins and attains the merit of an Aśvamedha sacrifice.

Word by Word

• brahmacārī: a celibate student/one practicing brahmacarya

• jitakrodhaḥ: one who has subdued anger

• trirātram: for three nights

• yadi: if

• tiṣṭhati: remains/keeps the observance

• sarva-pāpa: all sins

• viśuddha-ātmā: purified in self/inner being

• saḥ: he

• aśvamedha-phalam: the fruit/merit of the horse-sacrifice

• labhet: would obtain/attain

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context: dharma/vrata instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Ashvamedha

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Brahmacarya
• Prayashchitta
• Punya

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it teaches moral purification through brahmacarya and control of anger, presenting an austerity whose merit equals an Aśvamedha.

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

Though framed around a brahmacārī, the principle applies broadly: self-restraint, especially mastery over anger, is praised as producing great merit—an ethical ideal relevant to rulers (for just governance) and householders (for disciplined conduct).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural (vāstu) rules are not mentioned; the ritual point is that a short, disciplined observance of three nights with brahmacarya and krodha-jaya is credited with Aśvamedha-level merit.