Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayāga

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मापि स्मरते नित्यं प्रयागं तीर्थमुत्तमम् तीर्थराजम् अनुप्राप्य न चान्यत्किंचिदर्हति //

Transliteration

brahmāpi smarate nityaṃ prayāgaṃ tīrthamuttamam tīrtharājam anuprāpya na cānyatkiṃcidarhati //

Translation

Even Brahmā continually remembers Prayāga, the supreme Tīrtha; having reached that King of Tīrthas, nothing else is regarded as comparable or worth seeking.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मा (brahmā): Brahmā

• अपि (api): even

• स्मरते (smarate): remembers, calls to mind

• नित्यम् (nityam): always, continually

• प्रयागम् (prayāgam): Prayāga (confluence sacred site)

• तीर्थम् (tīrtham): pilgrimage place, ford

• उत्तमम् (uttamam): highest, supreme

• तीर्थराजम् (tīrtharājam): king of tīrthas

• अनुप्राप्य (anuprāpya): having reached, having attained

• न (na): not

• च (ca): and

• अन्यत् (anyat): other

• किञ्चित् (kiṃcit): anything whatsoever

• अर्हति (arhati): is worthy, deserves (consideration).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context: tirtha-mahatmya discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Prayāga
• Tīrtharāja

Tags

• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Prayaga
• Pilgrimage
• Dharma
• Sacred Geography

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it elevates Prayāga’s enduring sanctity—so great that even Brahmā remembers it—implying a sacred potency that transcends ordinary temporal concerns.

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

It supports the dharmic ideal that rulers and householders should prioritize tīrtha-yātrā and sacred observances; reaching Prayāga is portrayed as a pinnacle merit-act, guiding ethical life through pilgrimage and devotion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse is primarily ritual-geographical: it highlights Prayāga as the foremost site for tīrtha-rites (snāna, dāna, japa). It does not lay out Vāstu or temple-building rules, but frames Prayāga as a premier venue for such religious acts.