Shloka 59

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

Devanagari script

दैवं वा मानुषं वा स्याद् अनुरागेण वा ततः साचारानष्टपञ्चाशद् यथाशक्त्या समाचरेत् //

Transliteration

daivaṃ vā mānuṣaṃ vā syād anurāgeṇa vā tataḥ sācārānaṣṭapañcāśad yathāśaktyā samācaret //

Translation

Whether the ensuing result be divine or human, and whether it arises from heartfelt inclination as well, one should, according to one’s capacity, duly practise these fifty-eight observances of right conduct.

Word by Word

• daivam: divine (heavenly/spiritual)

• vā: or

• mānuṣam: human (worldly)

• vā: or

• syāt: may be/comes to be

• anurāgeṇa: through affection/earnest inclination

• vā: or

• tataḥ: thereby/therefrom

• sa-ācārān: the (prescribed) codes of conduct/observances

• aṣṭapañcāśat: fifty-eight

• yathāśaktyā: according to one’s ability/capacity

• samācaret: should properly practise/observe

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Achara
• Householder duties
• Ethics
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on dharma in daily life, emphasizing that prescribed observances should be followed according to one’s ability, regardless of whether the outcome is seen as divine or worldly.

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

It frames dharma as practical and scalable: a king or householder should adopt the stated codes of conduct (ācāras) to the extent possible (yathāśakti), making righteous living a matter of disciplined practice rather than mere status or aspiration.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or temple-building rule appears in this verse; its ritual significance lies in endorsing regulated observance—implying that rites and disciplines should be performed with sincerity and within one’s means.