Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — The Rohiṇī–Candraśayana Vow

Devanagari script

इदमेव पितॄणां च सर्वदा वल्लभं मुने त्रैलोक्याधिपतिर्भूत्वा सप्तकल्पशतत्रयम् चन्द्रलोकमवाप्नोति विद्युद्भूत्वा तु मुच्यते //

Transliteration

idameva pitṝṇāṃ ca sarvadā vallabhaṃ mune trailokyādhipatirbhūtvā saptakalpaśatatrayam candralokamavāpnoti vidyudbhūtvā tu mucyate //

Translation

This alone is ever especially dear to the Pitṛs, O sage. Having become lord of the three worlds for three hundred and seven hundred kalpas, one attains the Moon-world; and then, becoming like lightning, one is released—attaining mokṣa.

Word by Word

• idam eva: this alone/this very act

• pitṝṇām: of the ancestors (Pitṛs)

• ca: and

• sarvadā: always

• vallabham: beloved, dear

• mune: O sage

• trailokya-adhipatiḥ: ruler/lord of the three worlds

• bhūtvā: having become

• sapta-kalpa-śata-trayam: three sets of seven hundred kalpas (i.e., 2100 kalpas

• candra-lokam: the world/realm of the Moon

• avāpnoti: attains, reaches

• vidyut-bhūtvā: having become like lightning (swift, luminous

• tu: then/indeed

• mucyate: is freed, is released (from bondage/saṁsāra).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue with Vaivasvata Manu; addressed as 'mune')

Entities Mentioned

• Pitṛs
• Trailokya (three worlds)
• Candra-loka

Tags

• Śrāddha
• Pitṛ-tarpaṇa
• Phalaśruti
• Afterlife
• Mokṣa

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it teaches karmic and post-mortem results of Pitṛ-pleasing rites—first exalted sovereignty and heavenly enjoyment (Candra-loka), culminating in release (mukti).

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

It reinforces the gṛhastha/kingly duty of honoring ancestors through prescribed rites, presenting Pitṛ-satisfaction as a dharmic act that yields long-lasting merit, status, and ultimately spiritual freedom.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The focus is ritual (Śrāddha/Pitṛ offerings): the verse functions as phalaśruti, stressing that this specific Pitṛ-priya act is exceptionally effective, promising Candra-loka and eventual mokṣa.