Shloka 96

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

वर्णाश्रमाचारयुतं श्रौतस्मार्तविधानतः एवं तेषु क्रियावत्सु प्रवर्तन्तीह वै कृते //

Transliteration

varṇāśramācārayutaṃ śrautasmārtavidhānataḥ evaṃ teṣu kriyāvatsu pravartantīha vai kṛte //

Translation

In the Kṛta Yuga, people here were established in the proper conduct of the varṇas and āśramas, acting in accordance with the ordinances of both Śruti (Vedic revelation and rites) and Smṛti (traditional law). Thus, among those devoted to prescribed duties, right practice prevailed.

Word by Word

• वर्ण (varṇa): social class/order

• आश्रम (āśrama): life-stage/discipline

• आचार (ācāra): conduct, customary practice

• युतम् (yutam): endowed with, joined with

• श्रौत (śrauta): based on Śruti, Vedic ritual

• स्मार्त (smārta): based on Smṛti, traditional dharma codes

• विधानतः (vidhānataḥ): according to rule/ordinance

• एवम् (evam): thus

• तेषु (teṣu): among them

• क्रियावत्सु (kriyāvatsu): in those engaged in rites/duties

• प्रवर्तन्ती (pravartantī): proceeding, prevailing, being carried on

• इह (iha): here (in this world)

• वै (vai): indeed

• कृते (kṛte): in the Kṛta (Satya) Yuga

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing yuga-dharma)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Varna
• Ashrama
• Shruti
• Smriti

Tags

• Varṇāśrama
• Śrauta
• Smārta
• Kṛtayuga
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it characterizes the Kṛta Yuga as an age where dharma is firmly upheld through varṇāśrama conduct and faithful Śrauta–Smārta observances.

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

It implies that governance and household life should support varṇāśrama order: kings protect and enable lawful practice, while householders and other āśramas perform duties according to Śruti-based rites and Smṛti-based ethical/legal norms.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: proper practice follows both Śrauta (Vedic sacrificial procedure) and Smārta (Smṛti-guided rites and conduct), indicating a complete ritual ecosystem rather than a specific Vāstu or temple rule.