Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Rites for Consecrating and Celebrating Trees

Devanagari script

यश्चैकमपि राजेन्द्र वृक्षं संस्थापयेन्नरः सो ऽपि स्वर्गे वसेद्राजन् यावदिन्द्रायुतत्रयम् //

Transliteration

yaścaikamapi rājendra vṛkṣaṃ saṃsthāpayennaraḥ so 'pi svarge vasedrājan yāvadindrāyutatrayam //

Translation

O best of kings, whoever establishes even a single tree—such a man too, O king, dwells in heaven for as long as three ayutas of Indra, an exceedingly vast span measured in Indra-years.

Word by Word

• yaḥ: whoever

• ca: and

• ekam api: even one

• rājendra: O lord of kings

• vṛkṣam: a tree

• saṃsthāpayet: should establish/plant and set up to grow

• naraḥ: a man/person

• saḥ api: he also

• svarge: in heaven

• vaset: dwells

• rājan: O king

• yāvat: for as long as

• indrāyuta-trayam: three ayutas of Indra (a very large heavenly measure of time)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (addressed as rājendra/rājan)

Entities Mentioned

• Indra
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya

Tags

• Dharma
• Dana
• Vr̥kṣa-ropana
• Punya
• Svarga

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dharma through public welfare—specifically the spiritual merit (puṇya) gained by establishing a tree.

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

It frames tree-planting as a high-value righteous act. For kings, it supports rajadharma through public benefit (shade, fruit, ecological stability); for householders, it is an accessible act of dana-like merit with long-lasting results.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated, but the verse aligns with Purāṇic public-works ethics: establishing enduring supports (like trees) is treated as a meritorious foundation for settlements, roadsides, groves, and sacred precincts.