Shloka 39

Matsya Purana — The Tale of Brahmadatta: Past-life Memory

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मरन्ध्रेण परमं पदमापुस्तपोबलात् एवमायुर्धनं विद्यां स्वर्गं मोक्षं सुखानि च //

Transliteration

brahmarandhreṇa paramaṃ padamāpustapobalāt evamāyurdhanaṃ vidyāṃ svargaṃ mokṣaṃ sukhāni ca //

Translation

By the power of austerity, they attained the supreme state through the Brahma-opening (the cranial aperture). In the same way, (one may gain) longevity, wealth, knowledge, heaven, liberation, and various joys.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मरन्ध्रेण (brahmarandhreṇa): through the brahmarandhra, the ‘Brahma-aperture’ at the crown of the head

• परमं (paramaṃ): supreme, highest

• पदम् (padam): state, abode, goal

• आपुः (āpuḥ): they attained, they reached

• तपोबलात् (tapobalāt): by the strength/power of tapas (austerity)

• एवम् (evam): thus, in this manner

• आयुः (āyuḥ): lifespan, longevity

• धनम् (dhanam): wealth

• विद्याम् (vidyām): knowledge, learning

• स्वर्गम् (svargam): heaven

• मोक्षम् (mokṣam): liberation

• सुखानि (sukhāni): pleasures, happinesses

• च (ca): and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmarandhra
• Tapas
• Moksha
• Svarga

Tags

• Tapas
• Yoga
• Moksha
• Spiritual Attainment
• Puranic Teaching

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes liberation-oriented yoga language (the brahmarandhra and the ‘supreme state’) and presents tapas as a means to attain transcendent goals beyond cosmic cycles.

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

It frames disciplined living (tapas) as a practical source of both worldly aims—longevity, wealth, learning, happiness, heaven—and the highest aim, moksha; this supports the Matsya Purana’s ethic that rulers and householders should cultivate self-restraint and merit, not merely power or pleasure.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-rule detail is stated; the ritual-yogic significance is the ‘brahmarandhra’ motif, associated with the upward exit of prāṇa and attainment of the highest state in liberation-oriented practice.