Shloka 43

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

येषां न माता न पिता न बन्धुर् न गोत्रशुद्धिर्न तथान्नम् अस्ति तत्तृप्तये ऽन्नं भुवि दत्तमेतत् प्रयान्तु लोकेषु सुखाय तद्वत् //

Transliteration

yeṣāṃ na mātā na pitā na bandhur na gotraśuddhirna tathānnam asti tattṛptaye 'nnaṃ bhuvi dattametat prayāntu lokeṣu sukhāya tadvat //

Translation

For those who have neither mother nor father nor any kinsman, for whom there is no assurance of lineage (gotra) and likewise no food—this food has been given upon the earth for their satisfaction. May they, being thus satisfied, depart to the worlds in happiness.

Word by Word

• yeṣām: of those (for whom)

• na: not

• mātā: mother

• na pitā: nor father

• na bandhuḥ: nor relative/kinsman

• na gotra-śuddhiḥ: no purity/verification of gotra (lineage identity)

• na tathā annam asti: likewise there is no food

• tat-tṛptaye: for their satisfaction/appeasement

• annam: food

• bhuvi: on earth

• dattam: given/offered

• etat: this

• prayāntu: may they go/depart

• lokeṣu: to the worlds/realms

• sukhāya: for happiness/unto well-being

• tadvat: in that manner/accordingly (i.e., being satisfied).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and offerings

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya

Tags

• Dāna
• Anna-dāna
• Dharma
• Ritual offering
• Compassion

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it teaches compassionate dharma—offering food so unsupported beings may find satisfaction and a peaceful onward journey to higher realms.

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

It frames anna-dāna as a core duty: rulers and householders should provide food for those without family support or social identification, treating charity as a means of welfare and spiritual benefit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual point is the efficacy of food-offering (anna-dāna) even when the recipient’s gotra is unknown—charity is directed to the needy and to appeasement/satisfaction, rather than requiring formal lineage identification.