Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — The Legend of Acchodā: Pitṛloka

Devanagari script

नाम्ना सत्यवती लोके पितृलोके तथाष्टका आयुरारोग्यदा नित्यं सर्वकामफलप्रदा //

Transliteration

nāmnā satyavatī loke pitṛloke tathāṣṭakā āyurārogyadā nityaṃ sarvakāmaphalapradā //

Translation

In the human world she is known as Satyavatī, and in the world of the Ancestors she is called Aṣṭakā. She ever bestows long life and freedom from disease, and grants the fruits of all desired aims.

Word by Word

• नाम्ना (nāmnā): by name/known as

• सत्यवती (satyavatī): Satyavatī (truth-endowed one)

• लोके (loke): in the world (of humans)

• पितृलोके (pitṛloke): in the realm of the Pitṛs/ancestors

• तथा (tathā): likewise/and

• अष्टका (aṣṭakā): Aṣṭakā (the Aṣṭakā rite/personified observance)

• आयुः (āyuḥ): lifespan

• आरोग्यदा (ārogyadā): giver of health/freedom from illness

• नित्यम् (nityaṃ): always/ever

• सर्वकाम (sarvakāma): all desires/legitimate aims

• फलप्रदा (phalapradā): bestower of results/fruits

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (context: explaining Pitṛ rites and their rewards)

Entities Mentioned

• Satyavatī
• Aṣṭakā
• Pitṛloka (realm of the ancestors)

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛs
• Aṣṭakā
• Ritual merits
• Health and longevity

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on Pitṛloka and the spiritual efficacy of an Aṣṭakā-related observance/personification that grants longevity, health, and desired results.

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

It reinforces the householder’s (and ruler’s) duty to uphold Pitṛ-karmas such as Aṣṭakā/Śrāddha traditions, teaching that proper ancestral observances sustain wellbeing (āyuḥ, ārogya) and support legitimate aspirations (kāmas) in worldly life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: Aṣṭakā is presented as a Pitṛloka-linked observance/name that yields tangible fruits—health, long life, and fulfillment of aims—highlighting the Matsya Purana’s emphasis on the power of ancestral rites.