Shloka 72

Matsya Purana — Vrata-Ṣaṣṭhī: The Sixty Sacred Vows

Devanagari script

तद्वद्धेमरथं दद्यात् करिभ्यां संयुतं नरः सत्यलोके वसेत्कल्पं सहस्रमथ भूपतिः भवेदुपोषितो भूत्वा करिव्रतमिदं स्मृतम् //

Transliteration

tadvaddhemarathaṃ dadyāt karibhyāṃ saṃyutaṃ naraḥ satyaloke vasetkalpaṃ sahasramatha bhūpatiḥ bhavedupoṣito bhūtvā karivratamidaṃ smṛtam //

Translation

Likewise, a man should donate a golden chariot yoked with two elephants. Thereafter he dwells in Satyaloka for a thousand kalpas, and he becomes a king. Having observed fasting, this is declared to be the Elephant-vow (Kari-vrata).

Word by Word

• tadvat: likewise/in the same manner

• dhema (hema): gold/golden

• ratham: chariot

• dadyāt: should give/donate

• karibhyām: with two elephants (instrumental dual)

• saṁyutam: yoked/paired/combined

• naraḥ: a man/person

• satya-loke: in Satyaloka (Brahmaloka)

• vaset: may dwell/abide

• kalpam: a kalpa (aeon/day of Brahmā)

• sahasram: a thousand

• atha: then/thereafter

• bhūpatiḥ: king/lord of the earth

• bhavet: becomes

• upoṣitaḥ: having fasted/one who has observed a fast

• bhūtvā: having become/having done

• kari-vratam: the elephant-vow

• idam: this

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared (as authoritative tradition).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s vrata–dāna discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Satyaloka
• Brahmaloka
• Kari-vrata

Tags

• Dāna
• Vrata
• Upavāsa
• Phala-śruti
• Satyaloka

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it reflects the Purana’s karmic cosmology where specific gifts and vows yield posthumous residence in higher worlds such as Satyaloka (Brahmaloka), a realm associated with Brahmā’s cosmic cycle (kalpa).

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

It frames dāna (charitable gifting) and upavāsa (fasting) as core dharma for householders and rulers: by sponsoring an exalted gift (a golden chariot with elephants) and observing the vow, one accrues merit leading to sovereignty (bhūpati) and elevated heavenly attainment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is primarily vrata–dāna procedure: a prescribed donation (golden chariot with two elephants) linked to a named vow (kari-vrata) and its phala (Satyaloka residence and kingship), rather than Vāstu or temple-construction rules.