Shloka 37

Matsya Purana — The Observance of Ananta-Tritiya

Devanagari script

वित्तहीनो ऽपि कुरुते वर्षत्रयमुपोषणैः पुष्पमन्त्रविधानेन सो ऽपि तत्फलमाप्नुयात् //

Transliteration

vittahīno 'pi kurute varṣatrayamupoṣaṇaiḥ puṣpamantravidhānena so 'pi tatphalamāpnuyāt //

Translation

Even a person without wealth, by observing fasts for three years and performing worship according to the prescribed rite of flower-offerings accompanied by mantras, attains that same fruit (merit).

Word by Word

• वित्तहीनः: one devoid of wealth

• अपि: even

• कुरुते: performs/undertakes

• वर्षत्रयम्: three years

• उपोषणैः: by fasts/acts of fasting

• पुष्प: flowers

• मन्त्र: mantras

• विधानेन: by the prescribed procedure/ordinance

• सः: he

• अपि: also/even

• तत्-फलम्: that fruit/result (spiritual merit)

• आप्नुयात्: would attain/obtains.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s vrata/puja-phala discourse)

Tags

• Vrata
• Upavasa
• Puja-Vidhi
• Mantra
• Phala

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it focuses on ritual accessibility—spiritual merit can be attained through disciplined fasting and mantra-based flower worship even without wealth.

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

It frames dharma as practice-based rather than wealth-based: a householder (and, by extension, a king setting social norms) should value vrata (fasting), correct mantra-vidhi, and sincere worship as valid means to merit regardless of economic status.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes puṣpa-mantra-vidhāna—offering flowers with proper mantras and procedure—highlighting that correct worship method (vidhi) and austerity (upoṣaṇa) are central, not costly materials.