Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

कलिः प्रमारको रोगः सततं चापि क्षुद्भयम् अनावृष्टिभयं चैव देशानां च विपर्ययः //

Transliteration

kaliḥ pramārako rogaḥ satataṃ cāpi kṣudbhayam anāvṛṣṭibhayaṃ caiva deśānāṃ ca viparyayaḥ //

Translation

In the age of Kali there will arise a destructive affliction like a plague; there will also be continual fear of famine, fear of drought, and the overturning of order in regions and kingdoms.

Word by Word

• kaliḥ: the Kali age / Kali-yuga

• pramārakaḥ: destructive, causing widespread death

• rogaḥ: disease, epidemic

• satatam: constantly, continually

• ca api: and also

• kṣud-bhayam: fear of hunger/famine

• anāvṛṣṭi-bhayam: fear of no rain/drought

• ca eva: and indeed

• deśānām: of lands/regions/countries

• ca: and

• viparyayaḥ: reversal, perversion, disorder, upheaval

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on yuga-conditions and their signs)

Entities Mentioned

• Kali-yuga

Tags

• KaliYuga
• Portents
• Famine
• Drought
• Disease

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya directly; it lists Kali-yuga portents—epidemic disease, famine, drought, and regional upheaval—conditions that resemble a “social dissolution” rather than a universal deluge.

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

By highlighting famine, drought, and disorder, the verse implies the king’s dharma of protecting subjects through relief measures (grain storage, fair distribution, security) and the householder’s duty to practice restraint, charity, and preparedness during scarcity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; indirectly, recurring drought and upheaval underscore the practical need for water management (tanks, wells, reservoirs) and stable settlement planning—topics treated elsewhere in the Matsya Purana’s Vastu and civic-material sections.