Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Glory of Prayaga: Pilgrimage

Devanagari script

ये वसन्ति प्रयागे तु ब्रूहि तेषां च किं फलम् एतन्मे सर्वमाख्याहि परं कौतूहलं हि मे //

Transliteration

ye vasanti prayāge tu brūhi teṣāṃ ca kiṃ phalam etanme sarvamākhyāhi paraṃ kautūhalaṃ hi me //

Translation

Tell me what reward is gained by those who dwell at Prayāga. Explain all this to me in full, for my curiosity is exceedingly great.

Word by Word

• ye: those who

• vasanti: dwell/live

• prayāge: in Prayāga (the sacred confluence)

• tu: indeed

• brūhi: tell (me)

• teṣām: of them

• ca: and

• kim: what

• phalam: fruit/result/reward

• etat: this

• me: to me/for me

• sarvam: all (of it)

• ākhyāhi: explain, narrate

• param: supreme/exceeding

• kautūhalam: curiosity, eager interest

• hi: indeed/for

• me: of mine/to me

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (questioning Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Prayaga

Tags

• Tirtha
• Prayaga
• Pilgrimage
• Punya
• Sacred Geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it opens a tirtha-mahātmya discussion by asking about the spiritual “fruit” (phala) of living at Prayāga.

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

It frames dharmic decision-making: a king or householder is encouraged to seek scriptural clarity on the merits of sacred residence and pilgrimage, treating dharma as something to be learned through inquiry.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse; the ritual focus is implicit—Prayāga is presented as a place whose residence confers specific religious merit, prompting further explanation in the surrounding passage.