Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — The Madana-Dvādaśī Vow and the Birth of the Maruts

Devanagari script

अनेन विधिना सर्वं मासि मासि व्रतं चरेत् उपवासी त्रयोदश्याम् अर्चयेद्विष्णुमव्ययम् //

Transliteration

anena vidhinā sarvaṃ māsi māsi vrataṃ caret upavāsī trayodaśyām arcayedviṣṇumavyayam //

Translation

Following this prescribed method, one should observe the vow month after month; fasting on Trayodaśī, the thirteenth lunar day, one should worship Viṣṇu, the imperishable.

Word by Word

• anena: by this

• vidhinā: method/rite

• sarvam: entirely/fully

• māsi māsi: month after month

• vratam: vow/observance

• caret: should practice/perform

• upavāsī: one who is fasting

• trayodaśyām: on the thirteenth (lunar day)

• arcayet: should worship

• viṣṇum: Vishnu

• avyayam: imperishable/unchanging

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (as Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Trayodashi

Tags

• Vrata
• Vishnu-bhakti
• Upavasa
• Dharma
• Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it focuses on ongoing monthly religious discipline (vrata) centered on worship of the imperishable Vishnu, implying continuity of dharma across changing times.

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

It prescribes a repeatable monthly vow: fasting on Trayodaśī and worshipping Vishnu. Such observances are typical householder duties and are also recommended for rulers as personal discipline supporting righteous governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the rule-based vrata practice: observe the vow monthly, fast on Trayodaśī, and perform Vishnu-arcana (formal worship). No Vāstu or temple-construction detail is specified in this verse.