Shloka 43

Matsya Purana — The Rite and Glory of Meru-Dāna: The Tenfold ‘Gift of Meru’ and Mountain-Offe...

Devanagari script

अन्नमेव ततो लक्ष्मीर् अन्नमेव जनार्दनः धान्यपर्वतरूपेण पाहि तस्मान्नगोत्तम //

Transliteration

annameva tato lakṣmīr annameva janārdanaḥ dhānyaparvatarūpeṇa pāhi tasmānnagottama //

Translation

Therefore, food itself is Lakṣmī, and food itself is Janārdana (Viṣṇu). Hence, O best of mountains, protect (the world) in the form of a mountain of grain.

Word by Word

• अन्नम् (annam): food, grain

• एव (eva): indeed, alone/itself

• ततः (tataḥ): therefore, hence

• लक्ष्मीः (lakṣmīḥ): Goddess Lakṣmī, prosperity

• जनार्दनः (janārdanaḥ): Janārdana/Viṣṇu, the Lord who removes affliction

• धान्य (dhānya): harvested grain, cereals

• पर्वत (parvata): mountain

• रूपेण (rūpeṇa): in the form of

• पाहि (pāhi): protect, preserve

• तस्मात् (tasmāt): therefore/from that reason

• नग-उत्तम (nagottama): O best of mountains

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual dialogue attribution typical to this portion of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakshmi
• Janardana (Vishnu)

Tags

• Anna
• Dharma
• Dana
• Prosperity
• Agriculture

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it asserts a sustaining principle: food/grain is treated as divine (Lakṣmī and Viṣṇu), emphasizing preservation and continuity of life rather than dissolution.

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

It frames food as sacred, implying that a king and householder must protect agriculture, ensure grain security, and prioritize feeding others (anna-dāna), since sustaining society through food is tantamount to honoring Lakṣmī and Viṣṇu.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates anna as an object of reverence—supporting practices like offerings and anna-dāna. Architecturally, it indirectly supports the need for protected granaries and storage as a dharmic civic duty (though no explicit Vāstu rule is stated in this verse).