Shloka 90

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

कलिशिष्टेषु तेष्वेवं जायन्ते पूर्ववत्प्रजाः भाविनो ऽर्थस्य च बलात् ततः कृतमवर्तत //

Transliteration

kaliśiṣṭeṣu teṣvevaṃ jāyante pūrvavatprajāḥ bhāvino 'rthasya ca balāt tataḥ kṛtamavartata //

Translation

When those remnants of the Kali age remained thus, beings were born again as before; and by the compelling force of what was destined to unfold, the Kṛta age then came into operation once more.

Word by Word

• kali-śiṣṭeṣu: among the remnants/leftovers of Kali

• teṣu: in/among them

• evaṃ: thus/in this manner

• jāyante: are born/come into existence

• pūrva-vat: as formerly/as before

• prajāḥ: creatures/subjects/people

• bhāvinaḥ: that which is to be/impending/destined

• arthasya: of the matter/event/purpose (i.e., the destined course)

• ca: and

• balāt: by force/by compelling power

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• kṛtam: the Kṛta-yuga (Satya-yuga)

• avartata: began/turned into operation/commenced.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya–Manu dialogue on yugas and cosmic order)

Entities Mentioned

• Kali-yuga
• Kṛta-yuga (Satya-yuga)
• Prajā (beings/people)

Tags

• YugaCycle
• CosmicOrder
• PralayaThemes
• DharmaRenewal
• MatsyaManuDialogue

FAQs

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

It implies cyclical restoration after decline: even when Kali’s “remnants” persist, creation continues and, by the force of destiny/time, conditions of the Kṛta (Satya) age reassert themselves—pointing to periodic renewal rather than a one-time end.

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

By stressing that time turns and dharma is restored, it encourages rulers and householders to act according to enduring dharma rather than surrender to Kali’s corruption—supporting governance and conduct aimed at preserving order until renewal occurs.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is thematic: temple-building and rites in the Matsya Purana are framed as instruments of dharma-preservation during Kali and as foundations for the return of Kṛta-like order.