Shloka 98

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

तत्रासते प्रजाकामा ऋषयो ये ऽग्निहोत्रिणः लोकस्य संतानकराः पितृयाने पथि स्थिताः //

Transliteration

tatrāsate prajākāmā ṛṣayo ye 'gnihotriṇaḥ lokasya saṃtānakarāḥ pitṛyāne pathi sthitāḥ //

Translation

There dwell the seers who desire progeny—those who maintain the Agnihotra—who bring about the continuation of the worlds, abiding on the path called Pitṛyāna, the way of the Ancestors.

Word by Word

tatrathere

āsatedwell/abide

prajākāmāḥdesiring offspring/progeny

ṛṣayaḥsages/seers

yewho

agnihotriṇaḥperformers of Agnihotra (maintainers of the sacred fire rite)

lokasyaof the world(s)

saṃtāna-karāḥmakers of continuity/propagators of lineage

pitṛyāneon Pitṛyāna (the Ancestors’ path)

pathion the path/way

sthitāḥstationed/established

Speaker

Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s account; the verse describes a cosmological region rather than direct dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

ṚṣisAgnihotraPitṛyāna (Path of the Ancestors)Pitṛs (implied)

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights how ritualists (Agnihotri sages) sustain continuity—“saṃtāna”—which is a counter-theme to dissolution: preservation of lineage and cosmic order through dharma.

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

It elevates the householder-type duty of maintaining the sacred fires (Agnihotra) and supporting progeny/lineage. A king protects and funds such Vedic rites, while householders perform them, thereby sustaining social and cosmic continuity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: Agnihotra and the disciplined maintenance of the sacred fire. While not Vāstu-specific, it implies the sanctified fire-space (agni-ādhāna/altar setting) central to orthodox domestic and śrauta practice.