Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

अनिश्चयावगमनाद् धर्मतत्त्वं न विद्यते धर्मतत्त्वे ह्यविज्ञाते मतिभेदस्तु जायते //

Transliteration

aniścayāvagamanād dharmatattvaṃ na vidyate dharmatattve hyavijñāte matibhedastu jāyate //

Translation

Because Dharma is approached without firm ascertainment, the true principle of Dharma is not known; and when the truth of Dharma remains unknown, differences of opinion inevitably arise.

Word by Word

• aniścaya: lack of certainty, indecision

• avagamanāt: due to approaching/understanding (in that manner), because of apprehension

• dharma-tattvam: the true principle/essence of Dharma

• na vidyate: is not known/does not become evident

• dharma-tattve: with regard to the truth of Dharma

• hi: indeed

• avijñāte: when not understood/when unknown

• mati-bhedaḥ: divergence of views, doctrinal disagreement

• tu: and/but

• jāyate: arises, is produced

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Interpretation
• ScripturalAuthority

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it addresses epistemic uncertainty in knowing dharma-tattva and explains that such uncertainty leads to conflicting views.

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

It cautions rulers and householders that policy and conduct must rest on well-ascertained Dharma; otherwise, indecision and ignorance of dharma-tattva produce factional disputes, inconsistent judgments, and unstable social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vastu or ritual rule is stated; indirectly, it implies that rituals, temple procedures, and Vastu decisions require clear pramāṇa-based determination—otherwise competing opinions will proliferate.