Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Genealogy from Budha to Purūravas and Yayāti; Raji’s war episode; the Paurava...

Devanagari script

धर्मार्थकामान्धर्मेण समम् एवाभ्यपालयत् धर्मार्थकामाः संद्रष्टुम् आजग्मुः कौतुकात्पुरा //

Transliteration

dharmārthakāmāndharmeṇa samam evābhyapālayat dharmārthakāmāḥ saṃdraṣṭum ājagmuḥ kautukātpurā //

Translation

He safeguarded Dharma, Artha, and Kāma—keeping them in true balance under Dharma. And in former times, Dharma, Artha, and Kāma themselves came, out of curiosity, to behold him.

Word by Word

• धर्मार्थकामान्: Dharma, Artha, and Kāma (the three aims of life)

• धर्मेण: by/through Dharma, in accordance with righteousness

• समम्: equally, in balanced measure

• एव: indeed

• अभ्यपालयत्: he protected/maintained/governed

• धर्मार्थकामाः: Dharma, Artha, and Kāma (personified principles)

• संद्रष्टुम्: to see, to behold

• आजग्मुः: they came, they arrived

• कौतुकात्: from curiosity, out of wonder

• पुरा: formerly, in ancient times.

Speaker

• Suta (narrative voice describing the ideal ruler/king in the Matsya Purana’s rajadharma frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Artha
• Kama

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dharma
• Artha
• Kama
• Ideal Kingship

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on ethical governance—how an ideal ruler sustains the three human aims by placing Dharma as the regulating principle.

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

It presents the rajadharma model: prosperity (Artha) and enjoyment (Kāma) are legitimate, but only when protected and administered in balanced measure under Dharma—suggesting disciplined, value-governed leadership and household life.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual instruction appears here; the significance is indirect—temple-building, charity, and rites in the Matsya Purana are ideally funded and performed through Artha and Kāma that remain governed by Dharma.