Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Ārdrānandakarī Tṛtīyā Vrata: Ritual Procedure

Devanagari script

आर्द्रानन्दकरी नाम्ना तृतीयैषा सनातनी यामुपोष्य नरो याति शम्भोर्यत्परमं पदम् //

Transliteration

ārdrānandakarī nāmnā tṛtīyaiṣā sanātanī yāmupoṣya naro yāti śambhoryatparamaṃ padam //

Translation

The third observance is the eternal vow known as Ārdrānandakarī. By fasting in accordance with it, a man attains the supreme abode that belongs to Śambhu (Śiva).

Word by Word

• ārdrānandakarī: ‘Ārdrānandakarī’ (name of a vrata)

• nāmnā: by name

• tṛtīyā: the third (one)

• eṣā: this

• sanātanī: eternal, ancient

• yām: which (vrata)

• upoṣya: having fasted/observed a fast

• naraḥ: a man/person

• yāti: goes, attains

• śambhoḥ: of Śambhu (Śiva)

• yat: which

• paramaṃ: supreme

• padam: abode, state, goal

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching; the teaching itself is traditionally framed as Matsya instructing Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śambhu
• Śiva

Tags

• Vrata
• Upavasa
• Śiva
• Phala
• Moksha

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on vrata-phala—how a specific fast (Ārdrānandakarī) leads to attaining Śiva’s supreme abode.

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

It presents upavāsa (religious fasting) as a dharmic discipline available to householders (and rulers) alike—an ethical-spiritual practice that purifies conduct and directs life toward the highest goal (parama pada).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the observance of a named vrata through fasting; no Vāstu/temple-building rule appears in this specific verse.