Shloka 21
Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas
तेषां मेधाविनां पूर्वं मर्त्ये स्वायम्भुवे ऽन्तरे उत्पस्यन्तीह शास्त्राणां द्वापरे परिपन्थिनः //
teṣāṃ medhāvināṃ pūrvaṃ martye svāyambhuve 'ntare utpasyantīha śāstrāṇāṃ dvāpare paripanthinaḥ //
Before those wise ones fully arise, in the mortal world—within the Svāyambhuva Manvantara—there will appear here, in the Dvāpara age, adversaries who follow a contrary path and oppose the śāstras (sacred disciplines and authoritative teachings).
FAQs
It does not describe Pralaya directly; it foretells a yuga-based moral decline where anti-śāstra forces arise, a common Purāṇic sign of cosmic disorder that ultimately necessitates periodic restoration of dharma.
By warning that opponents of śāstra will arise in Dvāpara, it implies that rulers and householders must safeguard dharma through education, right conduct, and support of legitimate teachers and rites grounded in śāstric authority.
No specific Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is general—maintain śāstric standards in worship and practice when anti-traditional trends emerge.