Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

परमायुः शतं त्वेतन् मानुषाणां कलौ स्मृतम् देवासुरमनुष्याश्च यक्षगन्धर्वराक्षसाः //

Transliteration

paramāyuḥ śataṃ tvetan mānuṣāṇāṃ kalau smṛtam devāsuramanuṣyāśca yakṣagandharvarākṣasāḥ //

Translation

In Kali Yuga, the maximum lifespan of human beings is remembered to be one hundred years. Here are mentioned the gods, demons (asuras), humans, as well as the Yakṣas, Gandharvas, and Rākṣasas.

Word by Word

• parama-āyuḥ: highest lifespan

• śatam: a hundred

• tu: indeed

• etat: this

• mānuṣāṇām: of humans

• kalau: in Kali (Yuga)

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared in tradition

• devāḥ: gods

• asurāḥ: demons

• manuṣyāḥ: humans

• ca: and

• yakṣāḥ: Yakṣas (nature-spirits/guardians of treasures)

• gandharvāḥ: Gandharvas (celestial musicians)

• rākṣasāḥ: Rākṣasas (demonic beings)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kali Yuga
• Devas
• Asuras
• Manushyas
• Yakshas
• Gandharvas
• Rakshasas

Tags

• KaliYuga
• Lifespan
• Cosmology
• PuranicBeings
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it frames Kali Yuga conditions by stating the traditionally remembered human maximum lifespan (100 years) and listing classes of beings within the cosmic order.

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

By emphasizing the shortened, limited span of life in Kali Yuga, it supports the Purāṇic ethical urgency: kings and householders should prioritize dharma, disciplined conduct, and timely performance of duties rather than postponing righteous action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple-construction rule appears in this verse; its practical ritual takeaway is the Kali Yuga premise of limited lifespan, often used in Purāṇic contexts to encourage regular worship, charity, and prescribed rites without delay.