Shloka 69

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

नष्टे श्रौतस्मृते धर्मे कामक्रोधवशानुगाः निर्मर्यादा निरानन्दा निःस्नेहा निरपत्रपाः //

Transliteration

naṣṭe śrautasmṛte dharme kāmakrodhavaśānugāḥ nirmaryādā nirānandā niḥsnehā nirapatrapāḥ //

Translation

When dharma founded on Śruti and Smṛti is lost, people become driven by lust and anger—without restraint, without joy, without affection, and without shame.

Word by Word

• naṣṭe: when destroyed/lost

• śrauta-smṛte: based on Śruti and Smṛti

• dharme: dharma (sacred law, right order)

• kāma: desire/lust

• krodha: anger

• vaśa-anugāḥ: following under the control (of)

• nirmaryādāḥ: without bounds/limits, lawless

• nirānandāḥ: without happiness/inner joy

• niḥsnehāḥ: without affection/tenderness

• nirapatrapāḥ: without shame/modesty, shameless

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śruti
• Smṛti
• Dharma
• Kāma
• Krodha

Tags

• Dharma
• Kali Yuga
• Ethics
• Social Decline
• Śruti-Smṛti

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya directly; it depicts a moral “dissolution” where scriptural dharma collapses and society becomes ruled by kāma and krodha.

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

It implies that rulers and householders must preserve Śruti–Smṛti based conduct—cultivating restraint, shame (moral conscience), and social boundaries—otherwise lawlessness and cruelty spread.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is that when Śrauta–Smārta norms are abandoned, sacred rites lose authority and communities drift into adharmic practice.