Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

विचारणायां वैराग्यं वैराग्याद्दोषदर्शनम् दोषाणां दर्शनाच्चैव ज्ञानोत्पत्तिस्तु जायते //

Transliteration

vicāraṇāyāṃ vairāgyaṃ vairāgyāddoṣadarśanam doṣāṇāṃ darśanāccaiva jñānotpattistu jāyate //

Translation

From discriminative inquiry (vicāraṇā) arises dispassion (vairāgya); from dispassion comes the perception of faults. And from clearly seeing those faults, the arising of true knowledge is born.

Word by Word

• विचारणायाम् (vicāraṇāyām): in inquiry/discernment

• वैराग्यम् (vairāgyam): dispassion, detachment

• वैराग्यात् (vairāgyāt): from dispassion

• दोष-दर्शनम् (doṣa-darśanam): seeing/perceiving defects (in worldly objects and attachments)

• दोषाणाम् (doṣāṇām): of faults/defects

• दर्शनात् (darśanāt): from seeing

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed

• ज्ञान-उत्पत्तिः (jñānotpattiḥ): the arising/origination of knowledge

• तु (tu): then/indeed

• जायते (jāyate): is born/arises.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Jnana
• Vairagya
• Moksha
• Dharma
• Yoga

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya directly; it presents an inner, psychological sequence—discernment leading to detachment and knowledge—often used in the Purana as the means to transcend fear and suffering associated with impermanence.

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

It supports disciplined governance and household life by urging vicāra (clear judgment) and vairāgya (non-attachment), so one can recognize the defects of ego-driven pleasure and rule or live by dharma without being controlled by craving.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; indirectly, it frames the mental purity required for any rite—knowledge and right intention arise when one practices discernment and detachment.