Shloka 3

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

Devanagari script

स्यमन्तपञ्चके क्षेत्रे सरस्वत्यास्तटे शुभे भर्तुर् आराधनपरा तप उग्रं चचार ह //

Transliteration

syamantapañcake kṣetre sarasvatyāstaṭe śubhe bhartur ārādhanaparā tapa ugraṃ cacāra ha //

Translation

In the holy region of Syamantapañcaka, upon the auspicious bank of the Sarasvatī, she—devoted to the worship of her husband—undertook and practiced fierce austerities (tapas).

Word by Word

• स्यमन्तपञ्चके: in (the place called) Syamantapañcaka

• क्षेत्रे: in the sacred field/holy region

• सरस्वत्याः: of the Sarasvatī (river)

• तटे: on the bank

• शुभे: auspicious, sacred

• भर्तुः: of (her) husband

• आराधनपरा: wholly intent on worship/propitiation

• तपः: austerity, penance

• उग्रम्: intense, severe

• चचार: practiced, performed

• ह: indeed (emphatic particle).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) summarizing the episode within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework

Entities Mentioned

• Syamantapañcaka
• Sarasvatī

Tags

• Tirtha
• Tapas
• Vrata
• Sarasvati
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights tapas (austerity) and sacred geography, themes that often prepare characters for major cosmic or dharmic developments elsewhere in the Purana.

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

It emphasizes marital devotion and disciplined religious practice—virtues aligned with gṛhastha-dharma (householder duty), where worship, vows, and self-restraint are upheld as stabilizing forces for family and society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the sanctity of performing worship and austerity at a tīrtha—especially on a riverbank—an idea later echoed in Matsya Purana guidance on choosing auspicious sites for rites, temples, and religious observances.