Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Dialogue of Aṣṭaka and Yayāti: Exhaustion of Merit

Devanagari script

सर्वाणि चैतानि यथोदितानि तपःप्रधानान्यभिमर्षकेण नश्यन्ति मानेन तमो ऽभिभूताः पुंसः सदैवेति वदन्ति सन्तः //

Transliteration

sarvāṇi caitāni yathoditāni tapaḥpradhānānyabhimarṣakeṇa naśyanti mānena tamo 'bhibhūtāḥ puṃsaḥ sadaiveti vadanti santaḥ //

Translation

All these practices, as stated, though centered on austerity (tapas), are ruined by the sting of pride. Overpowered by darkness (tamas), a person’s merits perish—so the righteous continually declare.

Word by Word

• sarvāṇi: all

• ca: and

• etāni: these

• yathoditāni: as described/declared

• tapaḥ-pradhānāni: chiefly based on austerity

• abhimarṣakeṇa: by the irritable touch/sting (of ego)

• naśyanti: are destroyed

• mānena: by pride/conceit

• tamaḥ: darkness/ignorance

• abhibhūtāḥ: overpowered

• puṃsaḥ: of a man/person

• sadaiva: always/indeed

• iti: thus

• vadanti: say/declare

• santaḥ: the good/the wise.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• santaḥ (the wise)

Tags

• Dharma
• Tapas
• Ethics
• Pride
• Spiritual Discipline

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic pralaya directly; it teaches an inner “dissolution” where pride and tamas cause the destruction of one’s spiritual merit and austerity.

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

It warns that pride undermines dharma-based conduct; a king or householder must practice humility, since arrogance corrupts discipline, judgment, and the fruits of righteous action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated; ritually, it implies that the efficacy of vows, sacrifices, and austerities depends on humility—pride can nullify their intended spiritual fruit.