Shloka 40

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

Devanagari script

शुक्लाम्बरधरो नित्यं नियतः संयतेन्द्रियः एकं कालं तु भुञ्जानो मासं भूमिपतिर्भवेत् //

Transliteration

śuklāmbaradharo nityaṃ niyataḥ saṃyatendriyaḥ ekaṃ kālaṃ tu bhuñjāno māsaṃ bhūmipatirbhavet //

Translation

Wearing white garments daily, living under discipline with the senses restrained, and eating only once a day—by such a regimen one becomes a lord of the earth for a month.

Word by Word

• śukla-ambara-dharaḥ: one who wears white garments

• nityam: always/daily

• niyataḥ: regulated, self-disciplined

• saṃyata-indriyaḥ: having controlled senses

• ekam kālam: once (at one fixed time)

• tu: indeed

• bhuñjānaḥ: eating/partaking of food

• māsam: for a month

• bhūmi-patiḥ: lord of the land/king

• bhavet: becomes/attains

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma/vrata and their fruits (phala-śruti style)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya (implied)
• Bhūmipati (king/sovereign)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Vrata
• Self-control
• Fasting
• Phala-shruti

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it teaches a discipline-based observance (vrata) and states its worldly fruit—temporary sovereignty—showing how the Purana links ethical restraint to karmic results.

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

It promotes self-restraint (saṃyatendriya) and regulated living (niyata) as foundations of fitness for rulership; for householders, it prescribes ekakāla-bhojana (one meal at a fixed time) and purity in dress as a dharmic practice with stated rewards.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is purity and vrata-observance: wearing clean white garments and regulated eating are common markers of sāttvika discipline used during vows and rites, though no specific Vastu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse.