Shloka 72

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

सरितः सागरानूपान् सेवन्ते पर्वतानपि चीरकृष्णाजिनधरा निष्क्रिया निष्परिग्रहाः //

Transliteration

saritaḥ sāgarānūpān sevante parvatānapi cīrakṛṣṇājinadharā niṣkriyā niṣparigrahāḥ //

Translation

Clad in garments of bark and in black antelope-skins, inactive in worldly pursuits and free from possessions, they dwell by rivers, on seacoasts and marshlands, and also among mountains.

Word by Word

• सरितः: rivers

• सागर-अनूपान्: seacoasts and watery lowlands/marshes

• सेवन्ते: they resort to, dwell in

• पर्वतान् अपि: mountains also

• चीर: bark-garment

• कृष्णाजिन-धरा: wearing black antelope skin

• निष्क्रिया: without worldly activity, disengaged

• निष्परिग्रहाः: without possessions, non-accumulating

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, describing ascetic types)

Entities Mentioned

• Ascetics (muni/yati types)

Tags

• Sannyasa
• Tapas
• Dharma
• Ashrama
• Renunciation

FAQs

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

It does not directly discuss pralaya; it instead outlines where renunciants choose to live and the ideals of non-possession (niṣparigraha) and disengagement (niṣkriyā).

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

By defining the renunciant ideal—minimal needs, no hoarding, and withdrawal from worldly striving—it implicitly guides kings/householders to respect ascetics, support them appropriately, and value restraint and non-attachment in governance and daily life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or temple rule is stated; the practical takeaway is sacred geography for austerity—riversides, coasts/marshlands, and mountains are presented as preferred settings for tapas and contemplative living.