Matsya Purana — Śrāddha Procedure: Types, Shloka 9

Devanagari script

पुराणवेत्ता धर्मज्ञः स्वाध्यायजपतत्परः शिवभक्तः पितृपरः सूर्यभक्तो ऽथ वैष्णवः //

Transliteration

purāṇavettā dharmajñaḥ svādhyāyajapatatparaḥ śivabhaktaḥ pitṛparaḥ sūryabhakto 'tha vaiṣṇavaḥ //

Translation

तो पुराणवेत्ता व धर्मज्ञ असावा; स्वाध्याय व जप यात तत्पर असावा; शिवभक्त, पितृकर्मपरायण, सूर्यभक्त—आणि तसेच वैष्णवही असावा.

Word by Word

• purāṇa-vettā: knower of the Purāṇas

• dharma-jñaḥ: knower of dharma/righteous duty

• svādhyāya: self-recitation/study of the Veda

• japa: mantra-repetition

• tat-paraḥ: intent upon/devoted to

• śiva-bhaktaḥ: devotee of Śiva

• pitṛ-paraḥ: devoted to the Pitṛs/ancestral offerings

• sūrya-bhaktaḥ: devotee of Sūrya (the Sun)

• atha: and/also

• vaiṣṇavaḥ: devotee of Viṣṇu

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Purana
• Dharma
• Svadhyaya
• Japa
• Shiva
• Pitrs
• Surya
• Vishnu (Vaishnava)

Tags

• Dharma
• Bhakti
• Svadhyaya
• Japa
• Pitru-tarpaṇa

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it outlines the ethical-devotional qualifications of a Purāṇa-knower, emphasizing disciplined practice (svādhyāya, japa) and balanced devotion.

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

It reflects household and royal dharma by recommending daily Vedic study, mantra-japa, proper ancestor-rites (Pitṛ devotion), and inclusive devotion—virtues expected of rulers and गृहस्थs to maintain social-religious order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is primary: svādhyāya, japa, and Pitṛ-oriented rites are highlighted as core practices; no specific Vāstu or temple-construction rule is stated in this verse.