Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Vrata-Ṣaṣṭhī: The Sixty Sacred Vows

Devanagari script

शिवरूपस्ततो ऽस्माभिः शिवलोके स मोदते एतद्देवव्रतं नाम महापातकनाशनम् //

Transliteration

śivarūpastato 'smābhiḥ śivaloke sa modate etaddevavrataṃ nāma mahāpātakanāśanam //

Translation

Thereafter, having assumed the form of Śiva through this observance, he rejoices in Śiva’s world. This is called the Devavrata, the vow that destroys even the greatest sins.

Word by Word

• śivarūpaḥ: having Śiva’s form

• tataḥ: thereafter/then

• asmābhiḥ: by us/according to our teaching

• śivaloke: in Śiva’s world (Śivaloka)

• saḥ: he

• modate: rejoices/delights

• etat: this

• devavrataṃ: Devavrata (a sacred vow/observance)

• nāma: by name/called

• mahāpātaka-nāśanam: destroyer of great sins (major transgressions).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Śiva
• Śivaloka
• Devavrata
• Mahāpātaka

Tags

• Vrata
• Atonement
• Śiva
• Dharma
• Purāṇic ritual

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on the fruit (phala) of a vow—attaining Śivaloka and the destruction of great sins.

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

It frames vrata as a dharmic discipline and a form of atonement (prayāścitta): a king or householder who has incurred grave faults is taught a sanctioned observance that purifies and restores religious merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the Devavrata itself: it is presented as a powerful observance whose stated result is purification from mahāpātakas and the attainment of Śiva’s realm; no Vāstu or temple-building rule is mentioned in this specific verse.