Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — The Ārdrānandakarī Tṛtīyā Vrata: Ritual Procedure

Devanagari script

प्रतिपक्षमुपोष्यैवं मन्त्रार्चनविधानवित् रुद्राणीलोकमभ्येति पुनरावृत्तिदुर्लभम् //

Transliteration

pratipakṣamupoṣyaivaṃ mantrārcanavidhānavit rudrāṇīlokamabhyeti punarāvṛttidurlabham //

Translation

Thus, by fasting on each fortnight and being well-versed in the proper procedure of mantra-recitation and ritual worship, one attains Rudrāṇī’s world—a state from which return (to rebirth) is difficult to occur.

Word by Word

• pratipakṣam: each fortnight

• upoṣya: having fasted/observed a fast

• evaṁ: thus/in this manner

• mantra: sacred formula/mantra

• arcana: ritual worship/adoration

• vidhāna-vit: knower of the prescribed method

• rudrāṇī-lokam: the world/realm of Rudrāṇī (Pārvatī/Śakti)

• abhyeti: reaches/attains

• punar-āvṛtti: return again (rebirth/coming back)

• durlabham: difficult/rare (hard to obtain or hard to happen).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Rudrani
• Mantra
• Archana

Tags

• Vrata
• Upavasa
• Mantra
• Archana
• Afterlife

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it teaches a soteriological result of disciplined vrata—attaining Rudrāṇī’s realm and reducing the likelihood of return to rebirth.

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

It frames a practical dharma for householders (and rulers) alike: regular fortnightly fasting combined with correct mantra-worship, emphasizing disciplined observance and procedural correctness (vidhi) as a purifier and merit-producing duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: it stresses mantra-arcana-vidhāna (the correct method of worship), implying that results depend not only on devotion but on proper liturgical procedure.