Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Lineage of Yayāti through Yadu and the Deeds of Kārtavīrya Arjuna

Devanagari script

दश यज्ञसहस्राणि राज्ञां द्वीपेषु वै तदा निरर्गलानि वृत्तानि श्रूयन्ते तस्य धीमतः //

Transliteration

daśa yajñasahasrāṇi rājñāṃ dvīpeṣu vai tadā nirargalāni vṛttāni śrūyante tasya dhīmataḥ //

Translation

In those island-lands, it is heard that ten thousand royal sacrifices (yajñas) were then carried out without obstruction—such were the renowned deeds of that wise ruler.

Word by Word

daśaten

yajña-sahasrāṇithousands of sacrifices (i.e., ten-thousand sacrifices)

rājñāmof kings

dvīpeṣuin the islands/continents (dvīpas)

vaiindeed

tadāthen/at that time

nirargalāniunhindered, unbarred, without check

vṛttānideeds/undertakings/performances (here, sacrificial performances)

śrūyanteare heard of, are reported in tradition

tasyaof him, his

dhīmataḥof the wise/intelligent one.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, continuing the narrative style of royal dharma and ritual merit)

Entities Mentioned

Kings (rājānaḥ)Dvīpas (island-continents)Yajña (Vedic sacrifice)

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it highlights an era of stability where royal yajñas could be performed freely across the dvīpas, implying order rather than dissolution.

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

It presents the king’s dharma as sustaining Vedic rites at scale—supporting priests, resources, and public order—so sacrifices proceed “nirargala” (without hindrance), which becomes a marker of wise and righteous rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the emphasis on large-scale, uninterrupted yajña performance; while not architectural, it implies well-organized ritual infrastructure and patronage enabling continuous sacrificial activity.