Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Catalogue of the Eighteen Puranas

Devanagari script

यत्राधिकृत्य शकुनीन् धर्माधर्मविचारणा व्याख्याता वै मुनिप्रश्ने मुनिभिर्धर्मचारिभिः //

Transliteration

yatrādhikṛtya śakunīn dharmādharmavicāraṇā vyākhyātā vai munipraśne munibhirdharmacāribhiḥ //

Translation

There, with reference to omens (śakuna), the inquiry into what is dharma and what is adharma was indeed explained—when the sages asked—by sages devoted to dharma.

Word by Word

• yatra: where/therein

• adhikṛtya: taking as the subject, with reference to

• śakunīn: omens, auspicious/inauspicious signs

• dharma-adharma-vicāraṇā: examination/discernment of right and wrong

• vyākhyātā: explained, expounded

• vai: indeed

• muni-praśne: upon the sages’ question

• munibhiḥ: by sages

• dharma-cāribhiḥ: by those who practice/observe dharma

Speaker

• Sūta (narratorial voice summarizing a dharma-teaching attributed to dharma-observant sages)

Entities Mentioned

• Śakuna (omens)
• Munis (sages)
• Dharma
• Adharma

Tags

• Dharma
• Omens
• Śakuna-śāstra
• Ethics
• Puranic instruction

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights a didactic setting where sages explain how to discern dharma and adharma, using omens as a discussion framework.

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

It supports dharma-based governance and household conduct by implying that decisions—especially in uncertain situations—should be guided by learned, dharma-observant authorities and careful ethical discernment (not impulse).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is methodological: auspicious/inauspicious signs (śakuna/nimitta) are treated as a legitimate topic for dharmic interpretation by qualified sages.