Shloka 34

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

शिषेर् धातोश्च निष्ठान्ताच् छिष्टशब्दं प्रचक्षते मन्वन्तरेषु ये शिष्टा इह तिष्ठन्ति धार्मिकाः //

Transliteration

śiṣer dhātośca niṣṭhāntāc chiṣṭaśabdaṃ pracakṣate manvantareṣu ye śiṣṭā iha tiṣṭhanti dhārmikāḥ //

Translation

From the verbal root śiṣ (to instruct/discipline), with the niṣṭhā-ending, the word “śiṣṭa” is explained. Those who are the śiṣṭas—righteous, well-disciplined exemplars—remain established here through the Manvantaras.

Word by Word

śiṣeḥfrom the root śiṣ (to teach/instruct/discipline)

dhātoḥfrom the verbal root

caand

niṣṭhāntātfrom the niṣṭhā (past-participial) ending

śiṣṭa-śabdamthe word ‘śiṣṭa’

pracakṣatethey declare/explain

manvantareṣuin (successive) Manvantaras

yethose who

śiṣṭāḥthe disciplined/righteous authorities (the “good people”)

ihahere (in this world/age)

tiṣṭhantiremain/stand/abide

dhārmikāḥdevoted to dharma, righteous.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

ManvantaraŚiṣṭaDharma

FAQs

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

It implies continuity across cosmic cycles: even as ages and Manvantaras change, dharma is preserved through śiṣṭas—disciplined, righteous exemplars—who remain as living standards of conduct.

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

It points to śiṣṭācāra (the conduct of the learned and disciplined) as a practical authority for dharma. Kings and householders should model policy and daily conduct on the standards upheld by such righteous exemplars.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is methodological: ritual and social practice should follow śiṣṭa-tradition—what competent, dharmic authorities transmit—an important principle also used when applying Matsya Purana temple and rite guidelines.