Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

परस्परं विभिन्नास्ते दृष्टीनां विभ्रमेण तु अतो दृष्टिविभिन्नैस्तैः कृतमत्याकुलं त्विदम् //

Transliteration

parasparaṃ vibhinnāste dṛṣṭīnāṃ vibhrameṇa tu ato dṛṣṭivibhinnaistaiḥ kṛtamatyākulaṃ tvidam //

Translation

Because their viewpoints are mutually divergent, and because perception itself is prone to confusion, this teaching has been rendered mentally bewildering by those whose outlooks differ.

Word by Word

• parasparam: mutually, one with another

• vibhinnāḥ: divergent, different

• te: they/those (people/teachers)

• dṛṣṭīnām: of viewpoints/perceptions

• vibhrameṇa: by confusion, by delusion/error

• tu: indeed/however

• ataḥ: therefore/for this reason

• dṛṣṭi-vibhinnaḥ: differing in outlook

• taiḥ: by them

• kṛta: made, caused

• mati: understanding/intellect

• ākulam: agitated, confused

• tu: indeed

• idam: this (teaching/topic).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu; general didactic voice typical of Matsya Purana dialogues)

Tags

• Dharma
• Philosophy
• Dṛṣṭi-bheda
• Epistemology
• Purana-teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights how confusion and divergent viewpoints can distort understanding—an issue relevant to interpreting cosmological teachings (including creation and dissolution) accurately.

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

It advises discernment: a king or householder should not be swayed by mutually conflicting opinions but should seek a coherent, well-reasoned dharmic understanding to avoid mental agitation and indecisive governance or conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vastu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is methodological—technical disciplines like temple architecture or rites become confusing when interpreted through conflicting schools, so one should follow an internally consistent tradition and sound authority.