Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

भूत्वा च न भवन्तीह वेदाः कलियुगे ऽखिलाः उत्सीदन्ते तथा यज्ञाः केवलं धर्महेतवः //

Transliteration

bhūtvā ca na bhavantīha vedāḥ kaliyuge 'khilāḥ utsīdante tathā yajñāḥ kevalaṃ dharmahetavaḥ //

Translation

In the Kali Yuga, the Vedas—though they exist—do not remain fully manifest in this world; likewise the sacrificial rites (yajñas) decline, surviving only as means for the maintenance of dharma.

Word by Word

• भूत्वा (bhūtvā): having come into being/though existing

• च (ca): and

• न (na): not

• भवन्ति (bhavanti): become/remain (effective)

• इह (iha): here/in this world

• वेदाः (vedāḥ): the Vedas (Vedic revelation and its disciplines)

• कलियुगे (kaliyuge): in the Kali-yuga

• अखिलाः (akhilāḥ): entire/complete in all parts

• उत्सीदन्ते (utsīdante): sink down/decline/wither

• तथा (tathā): likewise

• यज्ञाः (yajñāḥ): sacrifices/Vedic rituals

• केवलम् (kevalaṃ): only/merely

• धर्महेतवः (dharmahetavaḥ): causes/means for dharma (maintenance of righteousness)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Vedas
• Kali-yuga
• Yajna
• Dharma

Tags

• Kali Yuga
• Vedic Decline
• Yajna
• Dharma
• Puranic Ethics

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it describes a moral-ritual decline within time (Kali-yuga), where Vedic knowledge and yajñas “sink” and function mainly to preserve dharma rather than flourish in full form.

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

It implies that in Kali-yuga rulers and householders must prioritize dharma-preserving practice—supporting whatever remains of Vedic learning, sponsoring simplified yet sincere rites, and upholding ethical conduct when full Vedic observance is difficult.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it states that yajña declines in Kali-yuga and becomes primarily a support for dharma; it does not give Vastu or temple-building rules in this verse, but it frames why later ages emphasize accessible dharmic observances over elaborate sacrifices.