Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्या मध्ये शूद्राश्च भागशः इज्यायुतवणिज्यादि वर्तयन्तो व्यवस्थिताः //

Transliteration

brāhmaṇāḥ kṣatriyā vaiśyā madhye śūdrāśca bhāgaśaḥ ijyāyutavaṇijyādi vartayanto vyavasthitāḥ //

Translation

Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas—and, in due proportion among them, Shudras as well—were duly established in the central region, each carrying on their respective functions such as yajña (ritual service), allied occupations, trade, and related livelihoods.

Word by Word

• ब्राह्मणाः: Brahmins

• क्षत्रिया: Kshatriyas (warrior-rulers)

• वैश्या: Vaishyas (agrarian and mercantile class)

• मध्ये: among/in their midst

• शूद्राः च: and Shudras

• भागशः: in parts/proportionately/according to proper share

• इज्या: worship/sacrificial rite

• आयुत: allied/connected (auxiliary) [occupations]

• वणिज्य: trade/commerce

• आदि: and so forth

• वर्तयन्तः: engaging in/carrying on

• व्यवस्थिताः: properly arranged/established in order

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the didactic narrative style of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmins
• Kshatriyas
• Vaishyas
• Shudras

Tags

• Dharma
• Varna
• Social order
• Rajadharma
• Livelihoods

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it describes the organized establishment of social groups (varnas) and their customary livelihoods, emphasizing order and proportional distribution in society.

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

It supports Rajadharma by implying that a king should maintain a stable social order where different groups perform their appropriate occupations—ritual service, protection/administration, trade, and service—so the realm functions harmoniously.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The explicit ritual term is 'ijyā' (sacrifice/worship), indicating the place of yajña and worship as recognized societal functions; it does not directly prescribe Vastu or temple-building rules in this verse.