Shloka 56

Matsya Purana — Rite and Layout for Consecrating Ponds

Devanagari script

अनेकलोकान्स महत्तमादीन् भुक्त्वा परार्धद्वयमङ्गनाभिः सहैव विष्णोः परमं पदं यत् प्राप्नोति तद्यागफलेन भूयः //

Transliteration

anekalokānsa mahattamādīn bhuktvā parārdhadvayamaṅganābhiḥ sahaiva viṣṇoḥ paramaṃ padaṃ yat prāpnoti tadyāgaphalena bhūyaḥ //

Translation

Having enjoyed many worlds—beginning with the highest realms—for two parārdhas together with celestial maidens, he then attains the supreme abode of Viṣṇu; such indeed is the abundant fruit of sacrifice (yajña).

Word by Word

• aneka-lokān: many worlds/realms

• saḥ: he (the sacrificer)

• mahattama-ādīn: starting from the greatest (highest) realms

• bhuktvā: having enjoyed/experienced

• parārdha-dvayam: two parārdhas (an immense cosmic span)

• aṅganābhiḥ: with women/maidens (celestial companions)

• saha eva: together indeed

• viṣṇoḥ: of Viṣṇu

• paramam padam: the supreme station/abode

• yat: which

• prāpnoti: attains

• tat: that

• yāga-phalena: by the fruit of sacrifice

• bhūyaḥ: abundantly/again and again (in great measure).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual instruction on yajña-phala)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu

Tags

• Yajna
• Phala
• Vaikuntha
• Dharma
• Ritual Merit

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes post-mortem cosmic reward—enjoyment of higher worlds for vast spans—culminating in reaching Viṣṇu’s supreme abode through yajña.

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

It supports the Matsya Purana’s dharma ideal that rulers and householders should uphold sacrificial rites (yajña) as a meritorious duty, yielding both worldly prosperity (higher realms) and ultimate spiritual attainment (Viṣṇu’s abode).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse is explicitly ritual: it highlights yajña as a means to extraordinary merit; no Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated, but it underscores the spiritual payoff that motivates proper performance of sacrificial procedures.