Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayaga: Manasa Tirtha

Devanagari script

जलप्रवेशं यः कुर्यात् संगमे लोकविश्रुते राहुग्रस्ते तथा सोमे विमुक्तः सर्वकिल्बिषैः //

Transliteration

jalapraveśaṃ yaḥ kuryāt saṃgame lokaviśrute rāhugraste tathā some vimuktaḥ sarvakilbiṣaiḥ //

Translation

Whoever enters the water (for a ritual bath) at a world-renowned confluence, and likewise when the Moon is seized by Rāhu (during a lunar eclipse), is freed from all sins.

Word by Word

• जलप्रवेशम्: entering the water (ritual immersion)

• यः: whoever

• कुर्यात्: should do / performs

• संगमे: at the confluence (saṅgama)

• लोकविश्रुते: famed in the world

• राहुग्रस्ते: when seized by Rāhu (eclipse)

• तथा: likewise

• सोमे: in/when the Moon (is eclipsed)

• विमुक्तः: released, liberated

• सर्वकिल्बिषैः: from all sins/impurities

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (tirtha-vidhi context)

Entities Mentioned

• Rahu
• Soma (Moon)
• Sangama (sacred confluence)

Tags

• Tirtha
• Snana
• Eclipse
• Dharma
• Prayashchitta

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches purification through tirtha-bathing, especially at a sacred confluence and during a lunar eclipse, emphasizing moral-spiritual cleansing rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames a practical dharmic observance: householders (and kings as exemplars) may undertake prescribed snāna at renowned saṅgamas and during eclipses as a form of prayāścitta—maintaining personal and social purity through sanctioned ritual discipline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual: jalapraveśa (sacred immersion) at a lokaviśruta saṅgama, particularly during Rāhu’s grasp of the Moon (lunar eclipse), is presented as a potent purificatory act that removes sins.