Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayāga

Devanagari script

*युधिष्ठिर उवाच श्रुतं चेदं त्वया प्रोक्तं विस्मितो ऽहं पुनः पुनः कथं योगेन तत्प्राप्तिः स्वर्गवासस्तु कर्मणा //

Transliteration

*yudhiṣṭhira uvāca śrutaṃ cedaṃ tvayā proktaṃ vismito 'haṃ punaḥ punaḥ kathaṃ yogena tatprāptiḥ svargavāsastu karmaṇā //

Translation

Yudhiṣṭhira said: “I have heard what you have explained, and again and again I am filled with wonder. How is that attainment achieved through Yoga, while residence in heaven is attained through action (karma)?”

Word by Word

• yudhiṣṭhiraḥ uvāca: Yudhiṣṭhira said

• śrutam: heard

• ca idam: and this (teaching)

• tvayā proktam: spoken/explained by you

• vismitaḥ aham: I am astonished

• punaḥ punaḥ: again and again

• katham: how

• yogena: by yoga (discipline of union/meditation)

• tat-prāptiḥ: attainment of That (the stated goal)

• svarga-vāsaḥ tu: but dwelling in heaven

• karmaṇā: by action/ritual duty

Speaker

• Yudhishthira

Entities Mentioned

• Yudhishthira
• Yoga
• Karma
• Svarga

Tags

• Dharma
• Yoga
• Karma
• Svarga
• Moksha

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on the spiritual question of how different paths—Yoga and Karma—lead to different results (attainment vs heaven).

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

It frames a classic dharmic concern: householders and kings often pursue meritorious karma (duty, charity, sacrifice) for svarga, while also seeking the higher attainment taught through yoga—prompting clarification on balancing rule-bound action with inner discipline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or iconographic rule is stated here; the only ritual implication is the general doctrine that karma (including Vedic rites and duties) yields heavenly residence, distinct from yogic attainment.