Shloka 30

Matsya Purana — The Ravi-Śayana

Devanagari script

भक्ताय दान्ताय च गुह्यमेतद् आख्येयम् आनन्दकरं शिवस्य इदं महापातकभिन् नराणाम् अप्यक्षरं वेदविदो वदन्ति //

Transliteration

bhaktāya dāntāya ca guhyametad ākhyeyam ānandakaraṃ śivasya idaṃ mahāpātakabhin narāṇām apyakṣaraṃ vedavido vadanti //

Translation

This secret teaching—joy-giving and belonging to Śiva—should be proclaimed only to one who is devoted and self-controlled. For human beings it shatters even the gravest sins; the knowers of the Veda declare it to be imperishable.

Word by Word

• भक्ताय: to a devoted person

• दान्ताय: to one who is self-restrained/controlled

• च: and

• गुह्यम्: secret, confidential

• एतत्: this

• आख्येयम्: to be told/expounded

• आनन्दकरम्: producing bliss

• शिवस्य: of Śiva / pertaining to Śiva

• इदम्: this

• महापातकभिन्: destroyer of great sins

• नराणाम्: of humans

• अपि: even

• अक्षरम्: imperishable, undecaying

• वेदविदः: knowers of the Veda

• वदन्ति: say, declare

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (instructor) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (recipient), within the Matsya Purana’s didactic dialogue style

Entities Mentioned

• Śiva
• Veda (Vedic knowers)

Tags

• Śiva-Rahasya
• Dharma
• Upadeśa
• Sin-removal
• Eligibility (Adhikāra)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya events; it emphasizes dharmic transmission—confidential Śiva-related knowledge that is said to be imperishable and powerfully purifying.

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

It sets an ethical rule of instruction: sacred, potent teachings should be entrusted only to qualified persons—devoted and disciplined—implying that rulers/householders must cultivate self-control and also share spiritual knowledge responsibly.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is about adhikāra (eligibility) and the purificatory efficacy of Śiva-centered sacred instruction.