Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth, Shloka 40

Devanagari script

महार्थाः सिद्धसर्वार्था भवन्तः स्वल्पभाषिणः चाटुयुक्तमथो कर्म ह्य् अमरा बहु भाषत //

Transliteration

mahārthāḥ siddhasarvārthā bhavantaḥ svalpabhāṣiṇaḥ cāṭuyuktamatho karma hy amarā bahu bhāṣata //

Translation

Wer wenig spricht, gewinnt an Gewicht des Sinnes und erreicht alle Ziele. Doch wenn das Handeln mit Schmeichelei vermengt ist, geraten selbst die „Unsterblichen“ am Ende in Vielrederei.

Word by Word

• महार्थाः: of great import/weighty in meaning

• सिद्धसर्वार्थाः: those who have accomplished all purposes

• भवन्तः: become/come to be

• स्वल्पभाषिणः: speaking little/terse in speech

• चाटुयुक्तम्: joined with flattery/complimenting speech

• अथो: then/indeed

• कर्म: action/deed

• हि: for/indeed

• अमराः: the immortals (gods)/deathless ones

• बहु: much/a lot

• भाषत: speak/utter (are made to speak)

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in rajadharma/niti (chapter-contextual attribution)

Entities Mentioned

• Amaras (Devas)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Speech ethics
• Conduct
• Self-control

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a niti teaching emphasizing that restraint in speech leads to effective achievement, while flattery inflates talk and weakens purposeful action.

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

For a king (and ministers), it recommends measured speech and results-focused conduct; flattery-driven behavior creates excessive talk, political distortion, and loss of clear dharmic decision-making.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; indirectly, it supports any discipline (including temple works) by valuing concise instruction and avoiding flattering speech that can corrupt execution.