Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

मनुष्याणां पशूनां च पक्षिणां स्थावरैः सह तेषामायुरुपक्रान्तं युगधर्मेषु सर्वशः //

Transliteration

manuṣyāṇāṃ paśūnāṃ ca pakṣiṇāṃ sthāvaraiḥ saha teṣāmāyurupakrāntaṃ yugadharmeṣu sarvaśaḥ //

Translation

For humans, animals, and birds—together with immobile beings—the course and measure of their lifespans is set forth in every way in accordance with the dharma of the yugas.

Word by Word

• मनुष्याणाम (manuṣyāṇām): of humans

• पशूनाम (paśūnām): of animals/cattle

• च (ca): and

• पक्षिणाम (pakṣiṇām): of birds

• स्थावरैः (sthāvaraiḥ): with immobile beings (plants/trees, fixed life-forms)

• सह (saha): together with

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of them

• आयुः (āyuḥ): lifespan/life-duration

• उपक्रान्तम् (upakrāntam): commenced/undertaken

• युगधर्मेषु (yugadharmeṣu): in the dharmas/laws of the yugas (cosmic ages)

• सर्वशः (sarvaśaḥ): in every respect, entirely.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Yuga-dharma

Tags

• Yuga-Dharma
• Cosmic Order
• Lifespan
• Dharma
• Cosmology

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it states that the lifespans of all beings (moving and immobile) are governed by yuga-dharma—implying a cosmic law that continues through cycles of time, including periods surrounding dissolution and renewal.

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

By grounding life-duration in yuga-dharma, the verse supports the Purāṇic idea that duties and standards must be applied with awareness of the age—kings and householders should uphold dharma appropriate to their yuga, recognizing human limitations and conditions that vary across time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated in this verse; its ritual takeaway is broader: rites and disciplines are to be aligned with yuga-dharma, since the conditions of life (including longevity and capacity) differ across the ages.