Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Duties of the Four Āśramas and the Power of Mauna

Devanagari script

अशिल्पजीवी विगृहश्च नित्यं जितेन्द्रियः सर्वतो विप्रमुक्तः अनोकशायी लघु लिप्समानश् चरन् देशानेकचरः स भिक्षुः //

Transliteration

aśilpajīvī vigṛhaśca nityaṃ jitendriyaḥ sarvato vipramuktaḥ anokaśāyī laghu lipsamānaś caran deśānekacaraḥ sa bhikṣuḥ //

Translation

A bhikṣu is one who does not live by crafts or trade, who is ever without quarrel, who has conquered the senses, who is wholly detached, who does not sleep in any fixed home, who seeks only little, and who wanders through many lands.

Word by Word

• aśilpa-jīvī: not earning a living by craft/trade

• vigṛhaḥ: free from quarrel/hostility

• ca: and

• nityam: always

• jita-indriyaḥ: one who has conquered the senses

• sarvataḥ: in every way/from all sides

• vipramuktaḥ: completely released/detached

• anoka-śāyī: not dwelling/sleeping in a house (without fixed abode)

• laghu: little/light (minimal)

• lipsamānaḥ: desiring/seeking

• caran: wandering

• deśa-aneka-caraḥ: moving through many regions/lands

• saḥ: that/he

• bhikṣuḥ: mendicant monk

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhikṣu

Tags

• Dharma
• Sannyasa
• Bhikshu
• Renunciation
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it teaches dharma for renunciants—detachment, self-control, and homelessness—virtues that help one remain steady even amid impermanence.

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

It offers an ethical mirror: even while ruling or maintaining a home, one should avoid needless conflict, restrain the senses, reduce acquisitiveness, and cultivate inner detachment—qualities praised in the Matsya Purana’s broader dharma teaching.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the only indirect point is the renunciant ideal of being 'anokaśāyī' (without a fixed house), emphasizing non-possession rather than building or ritual procedure.