Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Tripura’s Prosperity

Devanagari script

तेषामर्चयतां देवान् ब्राह्मणांश्च नमस्यताम् धर्मार्थकाममन्त्राणां महान्कालो ऽभ्यवर्तत //

Transliteration

teṣāmarcayatāṃ devān brāhmaṇāṃśca namasyatām dharmārthakāmamantrāṇāṃ mahānkālo 'bhyavartata //

Translation

For those who worshipped the gods and bowed to the Brāhmaṇas, a long span of time passed in the practice and recitation of mantras directed toward dharma, prosperity (artha), and rightful enjoyment (kāma).

Word by Word

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of them/for them

• अर्चयताम् (arcayatām): of those worshipping

• देवान् (devān): the gods

• ब्राह्मणान् (brāhmaṇān): Brāhmaṇas

• च (ca): and

• नमस्यताम् (namasyatām): of those bowing/revering

• धर्म (dharma): righteousness/duty

• अर्थ (artha): prosperity/material aims

• काम (kāma): desire/legitimate enjoyment

• मन्त्राणाम् (mantrāṇām): of mantras/sacred formulas

• महान् (mahān): great/long

• कालः (kālaḥ): time/period

• अभ्यवर्तत (abhyavartata): passed by/elapsed/rolled on

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) summarizing the course of observances within the Purāṇic account

Entities Mentioned

• Devas
• Brāhmaṇas
• Dharma
• Artha
• Kāma
• Mantras
• Kāla (Time)

Tags

• Dharma
• Puja
• Mantra
• Brahmana
• Ritual merit

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing pralaya; it emphasizes sustained religious practice—worship of the devas and reverence to Brāhmaṇas—through which a long period of time passes in mantra-based discipline.

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

It highlights core social-religious duties: honoring Brāhmaṇas, performing deva-pūjā, and employing mantras aligned with dharma (righteous rule and conduct), artha (lawful prosperity), and kāma (regulated enjoyment), which are central aims for householders and rulers in Purāṇic ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: it underscores pūjā (worship), namaskāra (reverence), and the purposeful use of dharma–artha–kāma mantras as an ongoing sādhana over time.