Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — The Karmic Cause of Purūravas’ Beauty and Fortune

Devanagari script

उपवासफलात्प्राप्तं राज्यं मद्रेष्वकण्टकम् उपोषितस् तथाभ्यङ्गाद् रूपहीनो व्यजायत //

Transliteration

upavāsaphalātprāptaṃ rājyaṃ madreṣvakaṇṭakam upoṣitas tathābhyaṅgād rūpahīno vyajāyata //

Translation

By the merit born of fasting, he obtained an untroubled kingship among the Madras; yet, because he had fasted and then performed oil-anointing (abhyaṅga), he was born lacking in beauty.

Word by Word

• upavāsa-phalāt: from the fruit/result of fasting

• prāptam: obtained

• rājyam: kingdom/sovereignty

• madreṣu: among the Madras (Madra country/people)

• akaṇṭakam: without thorns—free from obstacles/afflictions

• upoṣitaḥ: having fasted/one who observed a fast

• tathā: and/also/likewise

• abhyaṅgāt: from anointing/unction (oil-bath, ceremonial smearing)

• rūpa-hīnaḥ: devoid of beauty, unattractive

• vyajāyata: was born/was produced

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Purāṇic account; embedded dynastic/vrata-fruit narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Madra (Madras)

Tags

• Vrata
• Upavasa
• Karmaphala
• Kingship
• Dynasties

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on karma-phala—how fasting yields political prosperity, while other actions can shape bodily outcomes like beauty.

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

It frames kingship as morally conditioned: a ruler’s stability (“thornless” rule) is gained through disciplined vows like fasting, reminding householders and kings that personal observances influence public fortune.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual note is abhyaṅga (ceremonial anointing/oil-unction), indicating that ritual acts—especially when paired with austerities—are treated as causally potent in Purāṇic ethics, even when not directly linked to Vāstu or temple rules.