Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

द्वैधमुत्पद्यते चैव युगे तस्मिञ्श्रुतिस्मृतौ द्विधा श्रुतिः स्मृतिश्चैव निश्चयो नाधिगम्यते //

Transliteration

dvaidhamutpadyate caiva yuge tasmiñśrutismṛtau dvidhā śrutiḥ smṛtiścaiva niścayo nādhigamyate //

Translation

In that age, a duality arises concerning Śruti and Smṛti: both Śruti and Smṛti become divided, and a clear determination (of what is right) cannot be ascertained.

Word by Word

dvaidhamduality, split, contradiction

utpadyatearises, comes into being

ca evaand indeed

yuge tasminin that yuga/age

śruti-smṛtauwith regard to Śruti and Smṛti (revelation and tradition)

dvidhāin two ways, bifurcated

śrutiḥŚruti (Veda, revealed scripture)

smṛtiḥSmṛti (remembered tradition, law-codes)

ca evaand indeed

niścayaḥcertainty, settled conclusion

na adhigamyateis not reached/attained, cannot be determined.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

ŚrutiSmṛtiYuga

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights a yuga-condition where scriptural guidance becomes internally divided, making dharma harder to determine—an ethical symptom of decline rather than a cosmological dissolution.

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

It warns that in certain yugas even authoritative sources (Śruti/Smṛti) appear conflicting; a king or householder must therefore be cautious in judging dharma, seeking well-grounded interpretation and consistent principles rather than relying on a single contested citation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule is stated; indirectly, it implies that ritual/temple prescriptions may also appear divergent in some ages, so one should follow coherent, well-attested traditions and careful adjudication when texts disagree.