Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

स्वामिना रक्ष्यमाणानाम् उत्सृष्टानां च सम्भ्रमे परस्वानाम् अनादानम् अलोभ इति संज्ञितम् //

Transliteration

svāminā rakṣyamāṇānām utsṛṣṭānāṃ ca sambhrame parasvānām anādānam alobha iti saṃjñitam //

Translation

Not taking what belongs to others—whether it is being guarded by its owner or has been left behind in a moment of confusion—is what is designated as non-greed (alobha).

Word by Word

• svāminā: by the owner

• rakṣyamāṇānām: of things being protected/guarded

• utsṛṣṭānām: of things abandoned/left behind

• ca: and

• sambhrame: in confusion/panic/tumult

• para-svānām: of others’ property

• an-ādānam: non-taking/not appropriating

• alobhaḥ: non-greed/freedom from covetousness

• iti: thus

• saṃjñitam: is termed/defined

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Non-stealing
• Alobha

FAQs

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

It does not discuss Pralaya directly; it gives an ethical definition: during chaos or panic, one must still refrain from taking others’ property.

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

It frames alobha as a practical rule of conduct: a king must prevent looting during disorder, and a householder must not seize unclaimed-looking goods, even if they appear abandoned in confusion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is ethical restraint relevant to protecting property and social order, which indirectly supports stable civic life.