Matsya Purana — Vrata-Ṣaṣṭhī: The Sixty Sacred Vows, Shloka 28

Devanagari script

हैमं सिंहं च विप्राय दत्त्वा शिवपदं व्रजेत् जन्मार्बुदं सुरूपः स्याच् छत्रुभिश्चापराजितः एतद्वीरव्रतं नाम नारीणां च सुखप्रदम् //

Transliteration

haimaṃ siṃhaṃ ca viprāya dattvā śivapadaṃ vrajet janmārbudaṃ surūpaḥ syāc chatrubhiścāparājitaḥ etadvīravrataṃ nāma nārīṇāṃ ca sukhapradam //

Translation

Having given a golden lion to a brāhmaṇa, one attains the state of Śiva. For ten million births one becomes handsome in form and remains unconquered by enemies. This is called the Vīravrata, and it is also a giver of happiness to women.

Word by Word

• haimam: golden

• siṃham: lion (lion-figure)

• ca: and

• viprāya: to a brāhmaṇa

• dattvā: having given

• śiva-padam: the abode/state of Śiva (supreme auspicious state)

• vrajet: one goes/attains

• janma-arbudam: ten million births

• su-rūpaḥ: of beautiful form, handsome

• syāt: becomes

• śatrubhiḥ: by enemies

• ca: and

• aparājitaḥ: unconquered, undefeated

• etat: this

• vīra-vratam: “heroic vow” (a meritorious observance)

• nāma: by name/known as

• nārīṇām: for women

• ca: also

• sukha-pradam: bestowing happiness.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Shiva
• Brahmana

Tags

• Vrata
• Dana
• Phala
• Dharma
• Merit

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches the fruit (phala) of a vow-and-gift (vrata-dāna), promising spiritual attainment and auspicious rebirth-results.

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

It presents an approved dharmic act—donating a valuable emblem (a golden lion) to a brāhmaṇa—framed as a vrata that yields protection, honor, and success, aligning with householders’ and rulers’ obligations to support learned priests and uphold dana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual rather than architectural: the prescribed dāna (gift) of a golden lion as part of the Vīravrata, with stated merit such as victory over enemies and auspicious destiny.