Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

ये चान्ये देवव्रतिनस् तथा ये धर्मदूषकाः दिव्यवृत्ताश्च ये केचिद् वृत्त्यर्थं श्रुतिलिङ्गिनः //

Transliteration

ye cānye devavratinas tathā ye dharmadūṣakāḥ divyavṛttāśca ye kecid vṛttyarthaṃ śrutiliṅginaḥ //

Translation

And also those others who pose as devotees under religious vows, as well as those who corrupt dharma; and certain people who feign a “divine” way of life—wearing the marks and outward signs sanctioned by scripture only for the sake of livelihood.

Word by Word

• ye: those who

• ca: and

• anye: others

• deva-vratinaḥ: observers of vows in the name of the gods (professed devotees)

• tathā: likewise

• ye: who

• dharma-dūṣakāḥ: defilers/corruptors of dharma

• divya-vṛttāḥ: those with a (claimed) divine mode of conduct

• ca: and

• ye kecit: whoever/any among them

• vṛtti-artham: for the sake of livelihood/maintenance

• śruti-liṅginaḥ: those bearing scriptural marks/signs (external insignia associated with Vedic/orthodox life)

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, continuing a didactic discourse on dharma and social order)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Śruti (Vedic authority)

Tags

• Dharma
• Hypocrisy
• Asceticism
• Social ethics
• Religious livelihood

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is an ethical critique of those who misuse religious vows and scriptural insignia for worldly gain, emphasizing moral order rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It supports rajadharma and household ethics by warning rulers and society to recognize and restrain dharma-corrupting hypocrisy—people who exploit sacred identity for income—so that genuine religious practice and social trust are protected.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is that external “scriptural marks” (śruti-liṅga) are not proof of sanctity when adopted merely as a profession.