Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

एवमुक्तस्तपस्तेपे यमस्तीव्रं महायशाः गोकर्णतीर्थे वैराग्यात् फलपत्त्रानिलाशनः //

Transliteration

evamuktastapastepe yamastīvraṃ mahāyaśāḥ gokarṇatīrthe vairāgyāt phalapattrānilāśanaḥ //

Translation

Thus instructed, the illustrious Yama undertook severe austerities at the sacred tīrtha of Gokarṇa; out of dispassion (vairāgya), he lived on fruits, leaves, and even on bare air.

Word by Word

• एवम् (evam): thus

• उक्तः (uktaḥ): having been spoken to/instructed

• तपः (tapaḥ): austerity, penance

• तेपे (tepe): performed/undertook

• यमः (yamaḥ): Yama (Lord of Dharma/Death)

• तीव्रम् (tīvram): intense, severe

• महायशाः (mahāyaśāḥ): greatly renowned, illustrious

• गोकर्णतीर्थे (gokarṇa-tīrthe): at the Gokarna sacred place

• वैराग्यात् (vairāgyāt): from dispassion/detachment

• फल (phala): fruits

• पत्त्र (pattrā): leaves

• अनिल (anila): air/wind

• आशनः (āśanaḥ): eating, subsisting on

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu (probable chapter dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Yama
• Gokarna Tirtha

Tags

• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Tapas
• Vairagya
• Vrata
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it highlights tapas (austerity) and vairāgya as spiritual disciplines associated with sacred places like Gokarṇa.

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

It presents an ethical model of self-restraint: even powerful authorities like Yama practice discipline and detachment, implying that rulers and householders should cultivate moderation, vows, and reverence for tīrthas.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is tīrtha-centered tapas: performing austerities at a consecrated pilgrimage site (Gokarṇa-tīrtha) is portrayed as especially potent; no Vāstu/temple-building rule is specified in this verse.