Shloka 34

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Ananta-Tritiya

Devanagari script

सर्वपापहरां देवि सौभाग्यारोग्यवर्धिनीम् न चैनां वित्तशाठ्येन कदाचिदपि लङ्घयेत् नरो वा यदि वा नारी वित्तशाठ्यात् पतत्यधः //

Transliteration

sarvapāpaharāṃ devi saubhāgyārogyavardhinīm na caināṃ vittaśāṭhyena kadācidapi laṅghayet naro vā yadi vā nārī vittaśāṭhyāt patatyadhaḥ //

Translation

O Goddess, this observance removes all sins and increases good fortune and health. One should never violate it at any time through deceit regarding wealth; whether a man or a woman, by such financial dishonesty one falls down into misfortune.

Word by Word

• sarva-pāpa-harām: remover of all sins

• devi: O Goddess

• saubhāgya-ārogya-vardhinīm: increaser of good fortune and health

• na: not

• ca: and

• enām: this (vrata/observance)

• vitta-śāṭhyena: by deceit/cheating in regard to wealth

• kadācit api: ever/at any time

• laṅghayet: should transgress/violate

• naraḥ: man

• vā: or

• yadi vā: whether

• nārī: woman

• vitta-śāṭhyāt: due to financial deceit

• patati: falls

• adhaḥ: downward/below (into ruin).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (vrata/dharma instruction stream)

Entities Mentioned

• Devi (Goddess)

Tags

• Dharma
• Vrata
• Ethics
• Truthfulness
• Householder duties

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma—specifically, the moral requirement that a prosperity-and-health-giving observance must not be corrupted by financial deceit.

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

It frames honesty in financial dealings as a core duty: whether ruler or householder, one must not cheat in wealth-related matters (such as gifts, fees, offerings, or vows), because such deceit negates merit and leads to downfall.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it warns that a vrata (or religious observance) meant to bring saubhāgya and ārogya is invalidated by vitta-śāṭhya—cheating in money or resources used for the rite—so integrity in donations and ritual expenses is essential.