Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Asuras; Birth of Aurva Fire; Countering Tamasī Māyā through ...

Devanagari script

एते तपसि तिष्ठन्ति व्रतैरपि सुदुष्करैः ब्रह्मचर्यं पुरस्कृत्य प्रार्थयन्ति परां गतिम् //

Transliteration

ete tapasi tiṣṭhanti vratairapi suduṣkaraiḥ brahmacaryaṃ puraskṛtya prārthayanti parāṃ gatim //

Translation

These remain steadfast in austerity, undertaking even extremely difficult vows; placing brahmacarya (continence and sacred discipline) in the forefront, they pray for the highest state of liberation.

Word by Word

• एते (ete): these (persons)

• तपसि (tapasi): in austerity/penance

• तिष्ठन्ति (tiṣṭhanti): stand firm/remain

• व्रतैः (vrataiḥ): with vows

• अपि (api): even/also

• सुदुष्करैः (suduṣkaraiḥ): very difficult/hard to perform

• ब्रह्मचर्यं (brahmacaryaṃ): celibate discipline/continence and sacred student-like conduct

• पुरस्कृत्य (puraskṛtya): placing in front/holding as primary

• प्रार्थयन्ति (prārthayanti): they pray/seek

• परां (parāṃ): highest/supreme

• गतिम् (gatim): goal, destination, final state (liberation).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya–Manu discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmacarya
• Vrata
• Tapas
• Para Gati (Supreme Goal)

Tags

• Dharma
• Tapas
• Brahmacarya
• Vrata
• Moksha

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the inner discipline (tapas, hard vows, and brahmacarya) by which seekers aim for the supreme state beyond worldly cycles.

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

While focused on ascetics, it sets a benchmark of self-restraint: kings and householders in the Matsya Purana are repeatedly urged to uphold vrata-like discipline—especially control of senses and ethical conduct—as the foundation of righteous rule and orderly life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the primacy of vrata and brahmacarya as core disciplines supporting higher spiritual aims.