Shloka 97

Matsya Purana — Characteristics of Dvāpara and Kali Yugas

Devanagari script

श्रौतस्मार्तस्थितानां तु धर्मे सप्तर्षिदर्शिते ते तु धर्मव्यवस्थार्थं तिष्ठन्तीह कृते युगे //

Transliteration

śrautasmārtasthitānāṃ tu dharme saptarṣidarśite te tu dharmavyavasthārthaṃ tiṣṭhantīha kṛte yuge //

Translation

But for those established in śrauta and smārta dharma—the dharma shown by the Seven Sages (Saptarṣis)—the Saptarṣis remain here in the Kṛta Yuga in order to regulate and firmly establish the order of dharma.

Word by Word

śrauta-smārta-sthitānāmof those grounded in Śrauta and Smārta (Vedic and traditional) observances

tuindeed/but

dharmein dharma

saptarṣi-darśiterevealed/pointed out by the Seven Sages

tethey (the Seven Sages)

tuindeed

dharma-vyavasthā-arthamfor the purpose of arranging/establishing the proper system of dharma

tiṣṭhantiremain/abide

ihahere (in the world)

kṛte yugein the Kṛta (Satya) Yuga

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, yuga-dharma context)

Entities Mentioned

SaptarishisDharmaKrita YugaŚrautaSmārta

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes continuity after cosmic transitions by stating that the Saptarṣis remain to stabilize and administer dharma in the Kṛta Yuga.

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

It frames dharma as a regulated system grounded in śrauta (Vedic rites) and smārta (traditional duties). A king protects this dharma-order in society, while householders follow it through prescribed rites and ethical conduct under sage-guided norms.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights śrauta–smārta observance as the standard upheld by the Saptarṣis; it does not mention Vāstu or temple rules explicitly, but it underwrites the authority of Vedic-ritual procedure that later informs consecrations and sacred building rites.