Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

युगस्वभावाः संध्यासु अवतिष्ठन्ति पादतः संध्यास्वभावाः स्वांशेषु पादेनैवावतस्थिरे //

Transliteration

yugasvabhāvāḥ saṃdhyāsu avatiṣṭhanti pādataḥ saṃdhyāsvabhāvāḥ svāṃśeṣu pādenaivāvatasthire //

Translation

The inherent qualities of each Yuga persist in the twilight junctions (sandhyās) only to the extent of a quarter; and the qualities of the sandhyās themselves likewise remain established within their own portions by just a quarter.

Word by Word

• yuga-svabhāvāḥ: the intrinsic nature/qualities of the yugas

• saṃdhyāsu: in the sandhyās (junction/twilight periods between yugas)

• avatiṣṭhanti: remain, persist, are established

• pādataḥ: by a quarter, in one-fourth measure

• saṃdhyā-svabhāvāḥ: the intrinsic nature/qualities of the sandhyās

• sva-aṃśeṣu: in their own portions/divisions

• pādena eva: by a quarter alone

• avatasthire: were established, stood firm (became set)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Yuga
• Sandhyā

Tags

• Yuga
• Sandhya
• Cosmology
• Time-cycles
• Dharma-decline

FAQs

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

It describes how cosmic time transitions work: during yuga-junctions (sandhyās), the full traits of a yuga do not manifest completely, but only partially (by a quarter), indicating graded change rather than abrupt shifts—an idea often paired with broader Purāṇic cyclic creation and dissolution.

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

Because dharma conditions shift gradually at yuga boundaries, rulers and householders must adapt governance, discipline, and ritual emphasis to transitional moral climates—recognizing that mixed qualities prevail in sandhyā periods rather than a single yuga’s purity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not directly about Vāstu or iconography, it supports ritual timing doctrine: sandhyā is a liminal time where practices are often prescribed with special care, because qualities are mixed and only partially established—reinforcing the importance of correct sandhyā-related observances.