Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

वर्णाश्रमेषु युक्तस्य सुखोदर्कस्य स्वर्गतौ श्रौतस्मार्तो हि यो धर्मो ज्ञानधर्मः स उच्यते //

Transliteration

varṇāśrameṣu yuktasya sukhodarkasya svargatau śrautasmārto hi yo dharmo jñānadharmaḥ sa ucyate //

Translation

For one who is properly established in the duties of varṇa and āśrama, whose practice culminates in happiness and leads toward heaven, that dharma taught in the Śruti and the Smṛti is indeed called the Dharma of Knowledge (jñāna-dharma).

Word by Word

• वर्णाश्रमेषु (varṇāśrameṣu): in the systems of social class and life-stage duties

• युक्तस्य (yuktasya): of one who is properly engaged/steadfast

• सुख-उदर्कस्य (sukha-udarkasya): whose outcome is happiness/whose fruit culminates in well-being

• स्वर्गतौ (svargatau): in the attainment/path to heaven

• श्रौत-स्मार्तः (śrauta-smārtaḥ): grounded in Śruti (Veda) and Smṛti (tradition)

• हि (hi): indeed

• यः (yaḥ): which/that

• धर्मः (dharmaḥ): sacred duty, law, righteous conduct

• ज्ञान-धर्मः (jñāna-dharmaḥ): dharma characterized by right understanding/knowledge-oriented dharma

• सः (saḥ): that

• उच्यते (ucyate): is called/declared.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution typical to Matsya Purana’s Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Varna
• Ashrama
• Shruti
• Smriti
• Svarga

Tags

• Dharma
• Varṇāśrama
• Śrauta-Smārta
• Jñāna
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it defines ethical-religious discipline—Śruti–Smṛti-based varṇāśrama practice—calling it jñāna-dharma when it is rightly understood and lived.

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

It frames ideal conduct as adherence to varṇa and āśrama obligations validated by Vedic (śrauta) and traditional (smārta) injunctions—relevant to householders for daily rites and to kings for upholding social order and dharma in governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural rules are not mentioned; the ritual significance is that dharma is explicitly tied to śrauta and smārta foundations—implying Vedic rites, domestic rituals, and duty-based observances as the recognized path of practice.