Shloka 48

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

एषा कलियुगावस्था संध्यांशौ तु निबोधत युगे युगे तु हीयन्ते त्रींस्त्रीन्पादांश्च सिद्धयः //

Transliteration

eṣā kaliyugāvasthā saṃdhyāṃśau tu nibodhata yuge yuge tu hīyante trīṃstrīnpādāṃśca siddhayaḥ //

Translation

Know this as the condition of the Kali Yuga, especially in its twilight junction (sandhyā): in each succeeding yuga, the spiritual attainments (siddhis) diminish, losing in turn three and three ‘quarters’ (parts/steps).

Word by Word

eṣāthis

kali-yuga-avasthāthe state/condition of the Kali Yuga

saṃdhyā-aṃśauin the twilight portion (junctional phase)

tuindeed

nibodhataunderstand, take note

yuge yugefrom yuga to yuga, in each age

hi(y)antedecline, become reduced

trīṃs trīnthree and three (in sets of three)

pādānquarters/parts/steps (pādas)

caand

siddhayaḥsiddhis, spiritual accomplishments/perfections

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

Kali YugaYugaSiddhis

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it describes cyclical time (yugas) and emphasizes degeneration in spiritual capacities (siddhis) as ages progress, a backdrop often used in Purāṇas to frame why dharma and realization become harder in Kali Yuga.

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

By stating that siddhis and higher capacities decline with time, it implies that rulers and householders must rely more on disciplined dharma—law, charity, restraint, and ritual order—rather than expecting extraordinary spiritual powers to uphold society in Kali Yuga.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple-rule detail appears here; the ritual takeaway is broader—Kali Yuga is a junctional, weakened era, so spiritual results are reduced and practice must be steadier and more rule-based to compensate for diminished siddhis.