Shloka 27

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

धर्मेति धारणे धातुर् महत्त्वे चैव उच्यते आधारणे महत्त्वे वा धर्मः स तु निरुच्यते //

Transliteration

dharmeti dhāraṇe dhātur mahattve caiva ucyate ādhāraṇe mahattve vā dharmaḥ sa tu nirucyate //

Translation

The verbal root (dhātu) behind the word “dharma” is said to convey the sense of “upholding/maintaining,” and also that of “greatness.” Thus dharma is explained as that which supports and sustains, and as that which is great in value and authority.

Word by Word

• dharma iti: ‘dharma’ (as a term)

• dhāraṇe: in the sense of holding/upholding/maintaining

• dhātuḥ: the verbal root

• mahattve: in the sense of greatness/importance

• ca eva: and indeed

• ucyate: is said/declared

• ādhāraṇe: in the sense of supporting/bearing (as a foundation)

• vā: or

• dharmaḥ: dharma

• saḥ tu: that indeed

• nirucyate: is etymologically explained/defined

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a dharma-teaching passage)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma

Tags

• Dharma
• Etymology
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it defines dharma as the principle that ‘upholds’ and is ‘great/authoritative’, a foundation for right order even across cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

By defining dharma as what upholds and supports, the verse frames royal and household duties as stabilizing society—protecting, sustaining, and maintaining order—because such sustaining action is itself ‘dharma’.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated, but the key idea—‘that which supports/bears’—aligns conceptually with Vāstu foundations and ritual order: correct practice is what ‘upholds’ sacred and social structures.