Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — The Sun-Vow

Devanagari script

यः पठेदपि शृणोति मानवः पठ्यमानमथ वानुमोदते सो ऽपि शक्रभुवनस्थितो ऽमरैः पूज्यते वसति चाक्षयं दिवि //

Transliteration

yaḥ paṭhedapi śṛṇoti mānavaḥ paṭhyamānamatha vānumodate so 'pi śakrabhuvanasthito 'maraiḥ pūjyate vasati cākṣayaṃ divi //

Translation

Whoever recites this, or listens as it is recited, or even assents with appreciative approval—he too attains the realm of Śakra (Indra), is honored by the immortals, and dwells in heaven with imperishable felicity.

Word by Word

• yaḥ: whoever

• paṭhet: recites/reads

• api: even/also

• śṛṇoti: hears/listens

• mānavaḥ: a human being/person

• paṭhyamānam: being recited/read aloud

• atha vā: or else/even if

• anumodate: approves/assents/rejoices in (the recitation)

• saḥ api: he too

• śakra: Indra

• bhuvana: world/realm

• sthitaḥ: situated/abiding

• amaraiḥ: by the immortals (devas)

• pūjyate: is worshipped/honored

• vasati: dwells

• ca: and

• akṣayam: imperishable/undiminishing

• divi: in heaven.

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) conveying the phala-śruti of the Matsya Purana

Entities Mentioned

• Śakra (Indra)
• Amaras (Devas)

Tags

• Phala-śruti
• Purana recitation
• Svarga
• Merit (Puṇya)
• Bhakti

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it functions as a phala-śruti, emphasizing that engagement with the Purana (reciting, hearing, or approving) yields heavenly merit and lasting reward.

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

It supports the householder-friendly ethic of Purāṇic dharma: even without ascetic practice, one gains puṇya through śravaṇa (hearing), pāṭha (recitation), and anumodanā (respectful approval), making Purana-listening a recommended, accessible duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is the efficacy of Purāṇa-pāraṇa/śravaṇa (public recitation and attentive listening) as a meritorious religious act.