Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayaga and the Supremacy of Cow-Donation

Devanagari script

एवं तीर्थे न गृह्णीयात् पुण्येष्वायतनेषु च निमित्तेषु च सर्वेषु ह्य् अप्रमत्तो भवेद्द्विजः //

Transliteration

evaṃ tīrthe na gṛhṇīyāt puṇyeṣvāyataneṣu ca nimitteṣu ca sarveṣu hy apramatto bhaveddvijaḥ //

Translation

Thus, at a tīrtha (sacred ford), in holy precincts, and on all auspicious occasions, a twice-born man should not accept improper gifts, but should remain ever vigilant and self-controlled.

Word by Word

• evaṃ: thus

• tīrthe: at a tīrtha/sacred place

• na: not

• gṛhṇīyāt: should accept/take

• puṇyeṣu: in holy/meritorious (places or contexts)

• āyataneṣu: in sanctuaries/holy abodes/precincts

• ca: and

• nimitteṣu: on occasions/ritual occasions/auspicious junctures

• ca: and

• sarveṣu: in all

• hi: indeed

• apramattaḥ: vigilant, not careless, mindful

• bhavet: should be/should become

• dvijaḥ: the twice-born (Brāhmaṇa/Kṣatriya/Vaiśya, especially a Brāhmaṇa).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Tīrtha
• Dvija

Tags

• Dharma
• Tirtha
• Ritual purity
• Gift ethics
• Conduct

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on ethical restraint and mindful conduct in sacred places and auspicious ritual contexts.

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

It teaches disciplined restraint: even in highly auspicious settings, one should avoid improper gain and remain alert—principles applicable to a householder’s integrity and a ruler’s incorruptibility, especially around donations, honors, and public religious events.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes correct behavior in puṇya-āyatanas (holy precincts such as temples/ashrams) and during nimitas (ritual occasions), highlighting that sanctity requires vigilance and refusal of inappropriate acceptance within sacred spaces.