Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

वृद्धाश्चालोलुपाश्चैव आत्मवन्तो ह्यदाम्भिकाः सम्यग्विनीता मृदवस् तानाचार्यान्प्रचक्षते //

Transliteration

vṛddhāścālolupāścaiva ātmavanto hyadāmbhikāḥ samyagvinītā mṛdavas tānācāryānpracakṣate //

Translation

Those who are mature in years, free from greed, self-possessed and without pretence, well-disciplined and gentle—such persons are recognized and spoken of as true teachers (ācāryas).

Word by Word

• vṛddhāḥ: elders/mature persons

• ca: and

• alolupāḥ: not greedy/free from craving

• caiva: and indeed

• ātmavantaḥ: self-controlled/self-possessed

• hi: indeed

• adāmbhikāḥ: not hypocritical/without ostentation

• samyak-vinītāḥ: properly trained/well-disciplined

• mṛdavaḥ: gentle/mild in nature

• tān: them

• ācāryān: teachers/preceptors

• pracakṣate: are called/are declared

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya instructing Vaivasvata Manu (didactic narration in Matsya Purana style)

Entities Mentioned

• Ācārya

Tags

• Dharma
• Acharya
• Ethics
• Self-control
• Education

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it defines the moral qualifications of an ācārya—greedlessness, humility, discipline, and gentleness.

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

It guides rulers and householders in choosing worthy teachers and advisors: those who are self-controlled, non-pretentious, and properly disciplined, rather than merely eloquent or powerful.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is that instruction and rites should be learned from qualified, humble, disciplined ācāryas.