Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — The Rite of the Jaggery-Cow

Devanagari script

नारी वा कुरुते या तु विशोकद्वादशीव्रतम् नृत्यगीतपरा नित्यं सापि तत्फलमाप्नुयात् //

Transliteration

nārī vā kurute yā tu viśokadvādaśīvratam nṛtyagītaparā nityaṃ sāpi tatphalamāpnuyāt //

Translation

Even a woman who habitually delights in dance and song—if she undertakes the vow (vrata) of Viśokā-Dvādaśī—shall likewise attain the very same fruit, the merit of that observance.

Word by Word

• nārī: a woman

• vā: or/even

• kurute: performs/undertakes

• yā: who

• tu: indeed

• viśoka-dvādaśī-vratam: the Viśoka-Dvādaśī vow (fast/observance on the twelfth lunar day)

• nṛtya-gīta-parā: devoted to dance and song

• nityam: always/regularly

• sā api: she too

• tat-phalam: that fruit/result (merit)

• āpnuyāt: would obtain/attain

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within Vrata instructions)

Entities Mentioned

• Viśoka-Dvādaśī
• vrata

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Ritual
• Merit
• Dvādaśī

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on vrata-dharma, emphasizing that the merit of the Viśoka-Dvādaśī observance is attainable regardless of one’s ordinary lifestyle.

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

It supports the Matsya Purana’s ethical framework that householders and laypeople can gain spiritual merit through disciplined vows; the verse underscores inclusivity—women too may secure the same fruit by performing the prescribed observance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it highlights the efficacy of the Viśoka-Dvādaśī vrata and states that even one devoted to entertainment (dance and song) attains its full result by observing it.