Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

तस्मादायुर्बलं रूपं प्रहीयन्ते कलौ युगे दुःखेनाभिप्लुतानां च परमायुः शतं नृणाम् //

Transliteration

tasmādāyurbalaṃ rūpaṃ prahīyante kalau yuge duḥkhenābhiplutānāṃ ca paramāyuḥ śataṃ nṛṇām //

Translation

Therefore, in the Kali age, lifespan, strength, and bodily beauty steadily decline; and for people overwhelmed by suffering, the utmost span of life is only a hundred years.

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore/from that cause

• āyuḥ: lifespan

• balaṃ: strength/vigour

• rūpaṃ: form/beauty/physical appearance

• prahīyante: diminish/are reduced

• kalau yuge: in the Kali yuga

• duḥkhena: by/with suffering

• abhiplutānām: of those who are flooded/overwhelmed

• ca: and

• parama-āyuḥ: the maximum lifespan

• śatam: a hundred (years)

• nṛṇām: of humans/men

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kali-yuga
• humans (nṛṇām)

Tags

• Kali-yuga
• Decline of lifespan
• Dharma
• Human condition
• Puranic cosmology

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it explains a Kali-yuga symptom—human faculties (lifespan, strength, beauty) diminish due to pervasive suffering, indicating cosmic decline rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

By stating that people are afflicted and short-lived in Kali-yuga, it implies rulers and householders must prioritize dharma that reduces duḥkha—justice, charity, restraint, and protection—since human capacity is weakened and life is limited.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-rule detail is stated here; the practical takeaway is ritual and discipline should be adapted to Kali-yuga limitations (reduced strength and lifespan), emphasizing accessible, sustaining practices.