Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — The Legend of Acchodā: Pitṛloka

Devanagari script

धैर्येण तस्य सा लोकैर् अमावास्येति विश्रुता पितॄणां वल्लभा तस्मात् तस्यामक्षयकारकम् //

Transliteration

dhairyeṇa tasya sā lokair amāvāsyeti viśrutā pitṝṇāṃ vallabhā tasmāt tasyāmakṣayakārakam //

Translation

Because of his steadfast endurance, that night became renowned among the worlds as “Amāvāsyā”. Therefore, since it is especially dear to the Pitṛs (ancestral Fathers), whatever is offered on that day yields an inexhaustible result.

Word by Word

• धैर्येण (dhairyeṇa): by steadfastness/endurance

• तस्य (tasya): of him/thereupon

• सा (sā): that (time/night)

• लोकैः (lokaiḥ): by the worlds/among people

• अमावास्या इति (amāvāsyā iti): as ‘Amāvāsyā’

• विश्रुता (viśrutā): well-known/celebrated

• पितॄणाम् (pitṝṇām): of the Pitṛs/ancestors

• वल्लभा (vallabhā): beloved/dear

• तस्मात् (tasmāt): therefore

• तस्याम् (tasyām): on that (tithi/day)

• अक्षय-कारकम् (akṣaya-kārakam): producing imperishable/inexhaustible fruit (merit).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Amāvāsyā
• Pitṛs (Ancestors)

Tags

• Pitru Tarpana
• Amavasya
• Shraddha
• Dharma
• Ritual Merit

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it explains tithi-mahātmya—Amāvāsyā’s special status and the ‘akṣaya’ (inexhaustible) fruit of offerings made for the Pitṛs.

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

It supports the gṛhastha duty of pitṛ-yajña: performing tarpaṇa/śrāddha on Amāvāsyā, since such offerings are said to yield imperishable merit and satisfy the ancestors.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritual significance: Amāvāsyā is declared beloved to the Pitṛs, and gifts/oblations performed then are ‘akṣaya-kāraka’—bringing lasting results (a key Matsya Purana guideline for timing ancestor rites).