Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayaga and Allied Tirthas

Devanagari script

महर्षीणामिदं गुह्यं सर्वपापप्रणाशनम् अधीत्य च द्विजो ऽप्येतन् निर्मलः स्वर्गमाप्नुयात् //

Transliteration

maharṣīṇāmidaṃ guhyaṃ sarvapāpapraṇāśanam adhītya ca dvijo 'pyetan nirmalaḥ svargamāpnuyāt //

Translation

This secret teaching of the great sages destroys all sins. Even a twice-born (dvija), having studied it, becomes purified and attains heaven.

Word by Word

• महर्षीणाम् (maharṣīṇām): of the great sages

• इदम् (idam): this

• गुह्यम् (guhyam): secret, esoteric

• सर्व-पाप-प्रणाशनम् (sarva-pāpa-praṇāśanam): the destroyer of all sins

• अधीत्य (adhītya): having studied/recited

• च (ca): and

• द्विजः (dvijaḥ): the twice-born (initiated, typically Brāhmaṇa/Kṣatriya/Vaiśya)

• अपि (api): even

• एतत् (etat): this (teaching)

• निर्मलः (nirmalaḥ): pure, stainless

• स्वर्गम् (svargam): heaven

• आप्नुयात् (āpnuyāt): would attain.

Speaker

• Suta Goswami (traditional Purana narrator) describing the phala-śruti (benefit of study)

Entities Mentioned

• Maharishis
• Dvija
• Svarga

Tags

• Dharma
• Phala-shruti
• Purification
• Sins
• Study of Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it functions as a phala-śruti, stating that the sages’ secret teaching removes sin and grants heavenly attainment.

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

It emphasizes svādhyāya (study/recitation) as a dharmic duty: disciplined learning of authoritative Purāṇic instruction purifies conduct and supports righteous living for householders and rulers alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse; its ritual takeaway is the merit of studying/reciting the teaching as a purificatory act.