Shloka 37

Matsya Purana — The Origin of Yajña in Tretā Yuga and the Debate on Animal Sacrifice vs. Non-...

Devanagari script

गतेषु ऋषिसंघेषु देवा यज्ञमवाप्नुयुः श्रूयन्ते हि तपःसिद्धा ब्रह्मक्षत्रादयो नृपाः //

Transliteration

gateṣu ṛṣisaṃgheṣu devā yajñamavāpnuyuḥ śrūyante hi tapaḥsiddhā brahmakṣatrādayo nṛpāḥ //

Translation

When the assemblies of seers had departed, the gods obtained their share of the sacrifice (yajña). Indeed, it is heard that there were kings—beginning with the Brahma-kṣatriyas—who became perfected through austerity (tapas).

Word by Word

• गतेषु (gateṣu): when (they) had gone/departed

• ऋषि-संघेषु (ṛṣi-saṃgheṣu): among the groups/assemblies of sages

• देवा (devāḥ): the gods

• यज्ञम् (yajñam): the sacrifice, sacrificial rite

• अवाप्नुयुः (avāpnuyuḥ): would obtain/attain/receive (their due share)

• श्रूयन्ते (śrūyante): are heard of/are traditionally reported

• हि (hi): indeed, for

• तपः-सिद्धाः (tapaḥ-siddhāḥ): perfected/fulfilled through austerity

• ब्रह्म-क्षत्र-आदयः (brahma-kṣatra-ādayaḥ): beginning with brahma-kṣatriyas (brahmin-like kṣatriyas/royal sages)

• नृपाः (nṛpāḥ): kings

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual, Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Rishis (ṛṣisaṃgha)
• Brahma-kshatriya kings (brahmakṣatra)

Tags

• Yajña
• Tapas
• Rajadharma
• RoyalSages
• PuranicTradition

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the continuing cosmic order where devas receive their due through yajña, upheld by sages and austerity.

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

It presents the ideal that rulers can attain spiritual perfection through tapas while supporting yajña—linking royal duty (protection and patronage of rites) with inner discipline, a key Matsya Purana model of rajadharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is that yajña has a definite divine ‘share’ (devas receiving the sacrifice’s fruit), implying correct performance and patronage of sacrificial rites; no specific Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.