Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

मैथुनस्यासमाचारो जल्पनाच्चिन्तनात्तथा निवृत्तिर्ब्रह्मचर्यं च तदेतच्छमलक्षणम् //

Transliteration

maithunasyāsamācāro jalpanāccintanāttathā nivṛttirbrahmacaryaṃ ca tadetacchamalakṣaṇam //

Translation

Refraining from sexual intercourse, and likewise withdrawing from idle talk and from brooding thoughts—this is brahmacarya; and this is the defining mark of śama (inner tranquility and self-restraint).

Word by Word

• maithunasya: of sexual union/intercourse

• asamācāraḥ: non-indulgence, abstention (proper non-practice)

• jalpanāt: from prattle/idle speech

• ca: and

• cintanāt: from (unrestrained) thinking/brooding

• tathā: likewise/also

• nivṛttiḥ: withdrawal, cessation, turning back

• brahmacaryam: brahmacarya (continence

• ca: and

• tat: that

• etat: this

• śama-lakṣaṇam: the characteristic/mark of śama (calmness, mental restraint).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma/self-discipline)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmacarya
• Śama

Tags

• Dharma
• Brahmacarya
• Self-control
• Ethics
• Yoga

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it defines ethical self-restraint (śama) through brahmacarya, emphasizing control of action, speech, and thought.

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

It frames brahmacarya broadly as disciplined restraint—avoiding sexual indulgence, idle speech, and obsessive thinking—virtues that support a king’s governance (self-mastery) and a householder’s moral stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu/temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is inner purification—brahmacarya and control of speech/thought are presented as core disciplines that underpin successful vrata, japa, and worship.