Shloka 79

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

इत्येते पितरो देवा देवाश्च पितरश्च वै अन्योन्यपितरो ह्येते देवाश्च पितरो दिवि //

Transliteration

ityete pitaro devā devāśca pitaraśca vai anyonyapitaro hyete devāśca pitaro divi //

Translation

Thus, these Pitṛs (Ancestors) are also the Gods, and the Gods indeed are also the Pitṛs. They are mutually each other’s progenitors; and in heaven the Gods themselves are the Pitṛs.

Word by Word

• iti: thus

• ete: these

• pitaraḥ: the Fathers/Ancestors (Pitṛs)

• devāḥ: the Gods (Devas)

• devāḥ ca: and the Gods

• pitaraḥ ca: and the Ancestors

• vai: indeed/verily

• anyonya-pitaraḥ: mutually each other’s fathers/progenitors

• hi: for/indeed

• ete: these

• divi: in heaven

• devāḥ ca pitaraḥ: the Gods (are) the Pitṛs/Ancestors

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Devas
• Svarga (Diva/Heaven)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛ-tattva
• Deva-Pitṛ unity
• Ritual theology
• Matsya Purana ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches ritual-metaphysical identity: Devas and Pitṛs are presented as mutually connected and effectively one continuum in the heavenly order.

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

By equating Pitṛs with Devas, the verse elevates śrāddha and ancestor-offerings as a core duty of householders (and kings as exemplars), implying that honoring Pitṛs is tantamount to honoring the gods and sustaining dharmic order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it supports the authority of śrāddha/ancestor rites by stating that offerings to Pitṛs reach a divine level, since Devas and Pitṛs are treated as interlinked in heaven.