Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

तेषां स व्यवहारो ऽयं वर्तनं तु परस्परम् धर्मार्थकामसंयुक्तो वर्णानां तु स्वकर्मसु //

Transliteration

teṣāṃ sa vyavahāro 'yaṃ vartanaṃ tu parasparam dharmārthakāmasaṃyukto varṇānāṃ tu svakarmasu //

Translation

This is their proper social conduct—the manner in which they should deal with one another—while each varṇa remains established in its own duties, and while their pursuits are harmonized with dharma, artha, and kāma.

Word by Word

• teṣām: of them (of those people/varnas)

• saḥ: that

• vyavahāraḥ: conduct, dealings, practical social behavior

• ayam: this

• vartanam: mode of living, practice, comportment

• tu: indeed

• parasparam: mutually, with one another

• dharma-artha-kāma-saṃyuktaḥ: joined with dharma (righteousness), artha (material welfare), and kāma (legitimate desire)

• varṇānām: of the varnas (social classes)

• tu: indeed

• sva-karmasu: in their own duties/occupations

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Dharma
• Artha
• Kama
• Varna

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Varna
• Social Order
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on sustaining social order through mutual conduct and adherence to svadharma aligned with dharma, artha, and kāma.

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

It implies that a king should uphold a social system where each group follows its proper work and interacts fairly with others, while householders pursue prosperity and desire only in ways consistent with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the takeaway is ethical—proper mutual dealings and role-based duties, which indirectly support orderly temple/ritual life by stabilizing society.