Shloka 68

Matsya Purana — Kārtavīrya Arjuna’s Solar Boon and the Genealogy from Kroṣṭu to the Yādava Lines

Devanagari script

रथानां मेघघोषाणां सहस्राणि दशैव तु नासत्यवादी नातेजा नायज्वा नासहस्रदः //

Transliteration

rathānāṃ meghaghoṣāṇāṃ sahasrāṇi daśaiva tu nāsatyavādī nātejā nāyajvā nāsahasradaḥ //

Translation

Even if one possesses ten thousand chariots that thunder like clouds, he is not thereby a speaker of truth, nor truly radiant, nor a sacrificer, nor a giver of thousands.

Word by Word

• rathānām: of chariots

• meghaghoṣāṇām: having a cloud-like roar/thunder (i.e., loudly resounding)

• sahasrāṇi: thousands

• daśa eva: ten indeed (i.e., ten-thousands by sense)

• tu: however/but

• na: not

• asatyavādī: a truth-speaker (lit. not a false-speaker)

• na tejaḥ/na tejā: possessed of spiritual radiance/true splendor

• na yajvā: a performer of sacrifices

• na sahasradaḥ: a giver of thousands (i.e., one famed for abundant charity).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a didactic discourse on merit and true greatness)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Danadharma
• Truthfulness
• Yajna
• Merit

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it teaches ethical discernment—material power (like vast chariot wealth) is not proof of spiritual merit such as truthfulness, radiance, sacrifice, or generosity.

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

It warns rulers and householders that prestige and military splendor do not substitute for dharma: speaking truth, cultivating inner tejas, performing yajña responsibly, and practicing substantial dāna are the real marks of a worthy patron.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it emphasizes that being a true yajvā (sacrificer) is a matter of actual performance and qualification, not mere possession of wealth; no specific vastu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse.