Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Sarasvata Vrata: Vow for Sweet Speech

Devanagari script

अनेन विधिना यस्तु कुर्यात्सारस्वतं व्रतम् विद्यावानर्थसंयुक्तो रक्तकण्ठश्च जायते //

Transliteration

anena vidhinā yastu kuryātsārasvataṃ vratam vidyāvānarthasaṃyukto raktakaṇṭhaśca jāyate //

Translation

Whoever performs the Sarasvata vow according to this prescribed method becomes learned, endowed with prosperity, and is born with a bright, ruddy throat—i.e., with a strong, auspicious voice.

Word by Word

• अनेन (anena): by this

• विधिना (vidhinā): by the method/rite

• यः (yaḥ): whoever

• तु (tu): indeed

• कुर्यात् (kuryāt): should perform/does perform

• सारस्वतम् (sārasvatam): pertaining to Sarasvatī (bestowing learning)

• व्रतम् (vratam): vow/observance

• विद्यावान् (vidyāvān): learned/possessing knowledge

• अर्थ-संयुक्तः (artha-saṃyuktaḥ): endowed with wealth/prosperity (artha)

• रक्त-कण्ठः (rakta-kaṇṭhaḥ): red/bright-throated (figuratively, clear-voiced/sonorous)

• च (ca): and

• जायते (jāyate): is born/becomes.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Sarasvati
• Sarasvata Vrata

Tags

• Vrata
• Sarasvati
• Dharma
• Ritual Procedure
• Merit (Phala)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it states the fruit (phala) of observing the Sarasvata vow—learning, prosperity, and an auspicious, powerful voice.

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

It recommends a disciplined vrata that supports dharmic life by strengthening knowledge (vidyā) and artha; for householders and rulers, learning and eloquence are presented as merits gained through correct ritual observance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: performing the Sarasvata Vrata ‘by this method’ yields specific results (learning, prosperity, eloquence), emphasizing correct procedure (vidhi) in vrata practice rather than temple architecture.