Shloka 6
Matsya Purana — Duties of the Four Āśramas and the Power of Mauna
रात्र्या यया चाभिरताश्च लोका भवन्ति कामाभिजिताः सुखेन च तामेव रात्रिं प्रयतेत विद्वान् अरण्यसंस्थो भवितुं यतात्मा //
rātryā yayā cābhiratāśca lokā bhavanti kāmābhijitāḥ sukhena ca tāmeva rātriṃ prayateta vidvān araṇyasaṃstho bhavituṃ yatātmā //
On that very night by which people become absorbed in pleasures and are easily conquered by desire, on that same night the wise man should exert himself, self-restrained, resolved to live in the forest.
FAQs
This verse is not about cosmic creation or Pralaya; it teaches ethical-spiritual discipline—using the night (often linked with indulgence) for austerity and self-mastery.
It frames a general dharmic principle relevant to rulers and householders: restrain the senses where temptation is strongest (night/pleasure), cultivate vigilance, and support disciplined living (especially for those pursuing vānaprastha or renunciation).
No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the emphasis on night-time self-restraint and tapas (keeping wakeful discipline when others pursue pleasure).