Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

एष धर्मः स्मृतः कृत्स्नो धर्मश्च परिहीयते मनसा कर्मणा वाचा वार्त्ताः सिध्यन्ति वा न वा //

Transliteration

eṣa dharmaḥ smṛtaḥ kṛtsno dharmaśca parihīyate manasā karmaṇā vācā vārttāḥ sidhyanti vā na vā //

Translation

This is remembered as the whole of dharma; and dharma is diminished when one errs in mind, deed, and speech—whether one’s worldly pursuits and undertakings succeed or do not succeed.

Word by Word

• eṣaḥ: this

• dharmaḥ: dharma, righteous duty

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/declared

• kṛtsnaḥ: complete, entire

• dharmaḥ ca: and dharma

• parihīyate: declines, is reduced

• manasā: by the mind (in thought/intent)

• karmaṇā: by action/deed

• vācā: by speech/words

• vārttāḥ: worldly affairs, livelihood, practical undertakings

• sidhyanti: succeed, attain accomplishment

• vā: or

• na vā: or not

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Dharma

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Mind-Speech-Action
• Sadachara

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; instead, it states a moral principle: dharma is preserved or diminished by one’s intentions, words, and actions, regardless of external success.

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

It frames duty as a threefold discipline—pure intent (mind), lawful conduct (action), and truthful/beneficial speech—implying that a king’s policy and a householder’s livelihood must be ethically grounded even when outcomes are uncertain.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vastu or ritual procedure is named; the takeaway is foundational: any temple-building, donation, or rite must be supported by integrity in thought, speech, and action, otherwise its dharmic merit is reduced.