Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — The Sun-Vow

Devanagari script

*नारद उवाच यदारोग्यकरं पुंसां यदनन्तफलप्रदम् यच्छान्तये च मर्त्यानां वद नन्दीश तद्व्रतम् //

Transliteration

*nārada uvāca yadārogyakaraṃ puṃsāṃ yadanantaphalapradam yacchāntaye ca martyānāṃ vada nandīśa tadvratam //

Translation

Nārada said: “Tell me, O Lord Nandīśa, of that vow (vrata) which brings health to people, bestows endless results, and grants peace to mortals.”

Word by Word

• nāradaḥ uvāca: Nārada said

• yad-ārogya-karam: which causes/produces health

• puṃsām: for men/people

• yat: which

• ananta-phala-pradam: bestowing infinite fruit/results

• yat: which

• śāntaye: for peace, tranquility

• ca: and

• martyānām: of mortals/human beings

• vada: speak, tell

• nandīśa: O Nandīśa (lord of Nandīs/Śiva’s attendant

• tat-vratam: that vrata, that vow/observance

Speaker

• Narada

Entities Mentioned

• Narada
• Nandisha (Nandin/Nandikesvara)

Tags

• Vrata
• Dharma
• Ritual observance
• Health
• Peace (Shanti)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it introduces a query about a vrata that grants health (ārogya), infinite merit (ananta-phala), and peace (śānti).

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

It frames vrata as a practical dharmic tool for householders (and rulers) to cultivate well-being, social harmony, and spiritual merit—health and śānti being key aims in Purāṇic ethical life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the emphasis on a specific vrata (vow/observance) as a means to attain ārogya, ananta-phala, and śānti; no Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.