Shloka 37

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

Devanagari script

संवत्सरशतं त्व् एकम् अस्मिन्न् एव तपोवने संख्यायां नैव भोक्तव्यं गर्भिण्या वरवर्णिनि //

Transliteration

saṃvatsaraśataṃ tv ekam asminn eva tapovane saṃkhyāyāṃ naiva bhoktavyaṃ garbhiṇyā varavarṇini //

Translation

“For a full hundred years, in this very forest of austerity, O fair-complexioned lady, a pregnant woman should not take food in a measured (counted, rationed) manner.”

Word by Word

• saṃvatsara-śatam: a hundred years

• tu: indeed/but

• ekam: one (full period)

• asmin: in this

• eva: very/only

• tapovane: in the grove/forest of austerity (hermitage)

• saṃkhyāyām: in counting/measurement, as a fixed ration

• na eva: not at all

• bhoktavyam: is to be eaten/should be taken as food

• garbhiṇyā: by a pregnant woman

• vara-varṇini: O excellent/fair-complexioned lady

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing within the Matsya–Manu dialogue framework

Entities Mentioned

• Tapovana (forest of austerity)
• Garbhiṇī (pregnant woman)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Tapas
• Householder ethics
• Women’s conduct

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it focuses on dharmic conduct and dietary discipline in an ascetic setting, especially concerning a pregnant woman.

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

It reflects protective dharma: householders (and rulers who uphold social welfare) should ensure that pregnancy is not subjected to harsh rationing or restrictive, counted eating—implying care, nourishment, and avoidance of excessive austerity that could harm mother and child.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is ethical-niyama oriented—moderation of austerities and appropriate nourishment for pregnant women even within a tapas-oriented environment.