Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

द्वापरेष्वभिवर्तन्ते मतिभेदास्तथा नृणाम् मनसा कर्मणा वाचा कृच्छ्राद्वार्त्ता प्रसिध्यति //

Transliteration

dvāpareṣvabhivartante matibhedāstathā nṛṇām manasā karmaṇā vācā kṛcchrādvārttā prasidhyati //

Translation

In the Dvāpara age, divisions of opinion and outlook arise among people. Even livelihood and worldly dealings succeed only with difficulty—whether by thought, by action, or by speech.

Word by Word

• dvāpareṣu: in the Dvāpara age

• abhivartante: arise, come to prevail

• matibhedāḥ: differences of opinion, divided understandings

• tathā: likewise/indeed

• nṛṇām: of men/people

• manasā: by the mind/thought

• karmaṇā: by action/deed

• vācā: by speech/words

• kṛcchrāt: with hardship, with difficulty

• vārttā: livelihood, worldly business/transactions

• prasidhyati: succeeds, becomes established/achieved

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvapara Yuga
• Manu

Tags

• Yuga-Dharma
• Social decline
• Ethics
• Livelihood
• Speech and conduct

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it describes the moral-social climate of Dvāpara Yuga—marked by disagreement and difficulty in sustaining ordinary life and social order.

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

It implies that in Dvāpara, people become divided in judgment, so a king must govern with clearer dharmic standards and mediation, while householders must practice disciplined mind, truthful speech, and steady work to keep livelihood and relationships functioning amid growing discord.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is contextual—when society is fragmented, ritual and temple/household order depend more on careful intention (manas), correct performance (karma), and proper recitation/communication (vāc).