Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Nakṣatra-Puruṣa Vrata: Worship of Viṣṇu’s Cosmic Body through the Lunar M...

Devanagari script

नारी वा विधवा सर्वगुणसौभाग्यसंयुता क्रमान्मुक्तिप्रदं देव किंचिद्व्रतमिहोच्यताम् //

Transliteration

nārī vā vidhavā sarvaguṇasaubhāgyasaṃyutā kramānmuktipradaṃ deva kiṃcidvratamihocyatām //

Translation

O Lord, whether a woman is married or widowed—endowed with all virtues and auspicious fortune—please teach here some sacred vow (vrata) which, practiced in proper order, bestows liberation (mokṣa).

Word by Word

• nārī: woman

• vā: or

• vidhavā: widow

• sarva: all

• guṇa: virtues/qualities

• saubhāgya: auspicious fortune/marital felicity

• saṃyutā: endowed/possessed of

• kramāt: in sequence/according to proper procedure

• mukti-pradam: granting liberation

• deva: O divine Lord

• kiṃcid: some/any

• vratam: vow, religious observance

• iha: here (in this teaching/world)

• ucyatām: may it be told/please declare.

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquiry to Lord Matsya/Vishnu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya (Vishnu)

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Moksha
• Women
• Ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it shifts the focus to dharma—specifically a properly ordered vow (vrata) believed to lead toward liberation (mukti).

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

As a model ruler and householder, Manu asks for a vrata applicable to women in different life situations (married or widowed), showing the Purana’s emphasis on accessible, procedure-based religious duties that support ethical life and spiritual progress.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the stress on kramāt—performing a vow in correct sequence and method—implying that the efficacy of vrata depends on proper observance rather than status.