Shloka 55

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

एतान्महाराज विशेषधर्मान् करोति यो ऽप्यागमशुद्धबुद्धिः स याति रुद्रालयमाशु पूतः कल्पाननेकान्दिवि मोदते च //

Transliteration

etānmahārāja viśeṣadharmān karoti yo 'pyāgamaśuddhabuddhiḥ sa yāti rudrālayamāśu pūtaḥ kalpānanekāndivi modate ca //

Translation

O great king, whoever—endowed with an intellect purified by the authoritative teachings (āgamas)—practises these special dharmas is quickly cleansed and soon attains Rudra’s abode; and for many kalpas he rejoices in heaven.

Word by Word

etānthese

mahārājaO great king

viśeṣa-dharmānspecial duties/observances

karotiperforms, practises

yaḥ apiwhoever even

āgama-śuddha-buddhiḥone whose understanding is purified by the āgamas/scriptural tradition

saḥhe

yātigoes, attains

rudrālayamRudra’s abode (Rudraloka)

āśuquickly, soon

pūtaḥpurified, cleansed

kalpān anekānmany kalpas (aeons)

diviin heaven

modatedelights, rejoices

caand.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (addressed as Mahārāja)

Entities Mentioned

Rudra

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; instead, it uses cosmic time (kalpas) to express the long-lasting heavenly reward that follows from practising these prescribed dharmas.

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

Addressing the listener as “Mahārāja,” it frames dharma as practical observance: a ruler (and by extension a householder) should follow the ‘viśeṣa-dharmas’ with scripturally purified understanding, gaining spiritual purification and exalted post-mortem destinations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated in this line; it functions as a phalaśruti—affirming that correct, āgama-aligned ritual/ethical practice leads to purification and attainment of Rudra’s abode.