Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Code of Conduct and Vow-Procedure for Courtesans

Devanagari script

शून्ये यदुकुले सर्वैश् चौरैरपि जिते ऽर्जुने हृतासु कृष्णपत्नीषु दासभोग्यासु चाम्बुधौ //

Transliteration

śūnye yadukule sarvaiś caurairapi jite 'rjune hṛtāsu kṛṣṇapatnīṣu dāsabhogyāsu cāmbudhau //

Translation

When the Yadu lineage had become empty, and even Arjuna was overcome by all manner of robbers, Kṛṣṇa’s wives were carried off—reduced to the status of slaves and objects of exploitation—amidst the waters of the sea.

Word by Word

• śūnye: emptied, made void

• yadukule: in the Yadu clan/dynasty

• sarvaiḥ: by all (of them)

• cauraiḥ api: even by thieves/robbers

• jite: having been defeated/overpowered

• arjune: (when) Arjuna

• hṛtāsu: when (they) were taken away/abducted

• kṛṣṇa-patnīṣu: Krishna’s wives

• dāsa-bhogyāsu: as slaves and for others’ enjoyment (sexually/for exploitation)

• ca: and

• ambudhau: in the ocean/sea, in the waters

Speaker

• Suta (Pauranika narrator) relating the post-Krishna events

Entities Mentioned

• Yadu-kula (Yadava dynasty)
• Arjuna
• Krishna
• Krishna’s wives
• Robbers (cauras)
• Ocean/Sea (ambudhi)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Yadavas
• Itihasa
• Aftermath of Krishna
• Kali Yuga portents

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya; it depicts social and dynastic collapse—an age-of-decline motif where dharma weakens after Krishna’s departure.

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

It underscores the duty of kshatriya protection: when righteous power wanes, the vulnerable suffer; the verse frames protection of dependents and women as a core measure of societal dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is taught in this verse; its significance is historical-ethical, illustrating Kali-age insecurity rather than temple architecture rules.