Shloka 102

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

चतुर्युगाणां सर्वेषाम् एतदेव प्रसाधनम् एषां चतुर्युगाणां तु गणिता ह्येकसप्ततिः //

Transliteration

caturyugāṇāṃ sarveṣām etadeva prasādhanam eṣāṃ caturyugāṇāṃ tu gaṇitā hyekasaptatiḥ //

Translation

This alone is the established rule for the reckoning of all the cycles of the four Yugas; and the computed number of these Caturyugas is indeed seventy-one.

Word by Word

• चतुर्युगाणाम् (caturyugāṇām): of the four-yuga cycles

• सर्वेषाम् (sarveṣām): of all

• एतत् एव (etat eva): this alone/this very (method)

• प्रसाधनम् (prasādhanam): establishment, settled rule, standard determination

• एषाम् (eṣām): of these

• चतुर्युगाणाम् तु (caturyugāṇāṃ tu): and of the caturyugas

• गणिता (gaṇitā): computed, calculated number

• हि (hi): indeed

• एकसप्ततिः (ekasaptatiḥ): seventy-one

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Caturyuga

Tags

• Cosmology
• Kala-Ganana
• Yuga
• Manvantara
• Puranic Time

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it fixes a time-reckoning rule by stating that the standard count of caturyugas (four-yuga cycles) is seventy-one, a key unit used when describing cosmic eras that frame creation and dissolution narratives.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma by grounding ritual calendars, royal chronologies, and auspicious timing in an authoritative cosmic measure—useful for kings and householders who align vows, rites, and governance with sacred time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple rule is stated; the practical ritual takeaway is that sacred planning (festivals, consecrations, long rites) depends on correct kala-ganana, and this verse affirms the canonical count of 71 caturyugas used in broader Puranic computations.