Shloka 24

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

Devanagari script

न नूनं कार्तवीर्यस्य गतिं यास्यन्ति क्षत्रियाः यज्ञैर्दानैस्तपोभिश्च विक्रमेण श्रुतेन च //

Transliteration

na nūnaṃ kārtavīryasya gatiṃ yāsyanti kṣatriyāḥ yajñairdānaistapobhiśca vikrameṇa śrutena ca //

Translation

Surely, no Kshatriyas will ever attain the exalted destiny of Kārtavīrya—whether by sacrifices, by gifts, by austerities, or even by valor and learned sacred knowledge (śruti).

Word by Word

• na: not

• nūnam: surely/indeed

• kārtavīryasya: of Kārtavīrya (Arjuna)

• gatim: the course/destiny/attainment

• yāsyanti: will go/attain

• kṣatriyāḥ: Kshatriyas/warrior-kings

• yajñaiḥ: by sacrifices

• dānaiḥ: by gifts/charity

• tapobhiḥ: by austerities

• ca: and

• vikrameṇa: by prowess/heroic valor

• śrutena: by śruti/heard learning (Vedic knowledge)

• ca: and.

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) summarizing the idealized greatness of King Kārtavīrya Arjuna

Entities Mentioned

• Kārtavīrya Arjuna
• Kshatriyas

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dynasties
• Kshatriya Dharma
• Genealogy
• Valor

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on royal excellence and the unmatched spiritual-political “gati” (attainment) attributed to Kārtavīrya.

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

It presents a benchmark for Kshatriya dharma: a ruler is praised not only for ritual (yajña), charity (dāna), and austerity (tapas), but also for courage (vikrama) and sacred learning (śruti). The verse elevates integrated virtue—ethical rule supported by both strength and scripture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it references core merit-making acts—yajña, dāna, and tapas—common to Purāṇic dharma. No Vāstu/temple-architecture rule is stated in this specific śloka.