Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

एको वेदश्चतुष्पादः संहृत्य तु पुनः पुनः संक्षेपादायुषश्चैव व्यस्यते द्वापरेष्विह //

Transliteration

eko vedaścatuṣpādaḥ saṃhṛtya tu punaḥ punaḥ saṃkṣepādāyuṣaścaiva vyasyate dvāpareṣviha //

Translation

The one Veda, four-footed (complete in four quarters), is repeatedly gathered up; and then, for the sake of brevity and in view of the shortening of human lifespan, it is here arranged and divided in the Dvāpara ages.

Word by Word

ekaḥone (single)

vedaḥthe Veda

catuṣpādaḥfour-footed, having four parts/quarters

saṃhṛtyahaving collected/compiled (drawn together)

tuindeed

punaḥ punaḥagain and again

saṃkṣepātfor the sake of condensation/briefness

āyuṣaḥof lifespan (human longevity)

ca evaand also/indeed

vyasyateis arranged, distributed, divided (by Vyāsa)

dvāpareṣuin the Dvāpara ages

ihahere (in this world/dispensation).

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

VedaDvapara YugaVyasa (implied by vyasyate)

FAQs

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

Directly, it addresses not Pralaya but yuga-wise decline: as lifespan shortens, the Veda is repeatedly recompiled and systematized so it remains accessible after cosmic and historical transitions.

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

It implies that dharma must be practiced according to one’s era and capacity: rulers and householders should rely on the organized Vedic teaching of their time (as arranged in Dvāpara) rather than claim an unattainable, earlier-yuga standard.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is that sacrifices and rites depend on Vedic transmission, and the Veda’s division/arrangement safeguards correct ritual performance despite diminishing human longevity.