Shloka 58

Matsya Purana — Sādhāraṇa Śrāddha: General Ancestral Rite

Devanagari script

पितृभिर् निर्मितं पूर्वम् एतदाप्यायनं सदा अपुत्राणां सपुत्राणां स्त्रीणामपि नराधिप //

Transliteration

pitṛbhir nirmitaṃ pūrvam etadāpyāyanaṃ sadā aputrāṇāṃ saputrāṇāṃ strīṇāmapi narādhipa //

Translation

O king, this rite called ‘āpyāyana’—the continual nourishment of the Ancestors—was established long ago by the Pitṛs themselves, and it is meant for all: the childless and those with children, and even for women.

Word by Word

• पितृभिः (pitṛbhiḥ): by the Pitṛs/ancestors

• निर्मितम् (nirmitam): established/ordained

• पूर्वम् (pūrvam): formerly, in ancient times

• एतत् (etat): this

• आप्यायनम् (āpyāyanam): nourishing rite, replenishment (esp. of Pitṛs through offerings)

• सदा (sadā): always/continually

• अपुत्राणाम् (aputrāṇām): of the childless

• सपुत्राणाम् (saputrāṇām): of those with sons/children

• स्त्रीणाम् अपि (strīṇām api): even of women

• नराधिप (narādhipa): O ruler/king

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• narādhipa (king)

Tags

• Pitṛ-dharma
• Śrāddha
• Tarpaṇa
• Householder duties
• Ritual eligibility

FAQs

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

Nothing directly about Pralaya; the verse focuses on Pitṛ-dharma, stating that the Pitṛs themselves instituted an ancestral-nourishing rite meant for all eligible persons.

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

It instructs the king (and by extension householders) that ancestral nourishment rites are a standing duty and not restricted by having or not having children—supporting the broader Matsya Purana ethic of sustaining lineage and social order through śrāddha/tarpaṇa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is eligibility: āpyāyana (a Pitṛ-nourishing offering/rite) is sanctioned for the childless, the child-blessed, and women—broadening who may perform ancestral rites.