Shloka 80

Matsya Purana — Manvantaras

Devanagari script

ऋषिर्हिंसागतौ धातुर् विद्या सत्यं तपः श्रुतम् एष सन्निलयो यस्माद् ब्राह्मणस्तुततस् त्व् ऋषिः //

Transliteration

ṛṣirhiṃsāgatau dhātur vidyā satyaṃ tapaḥ śrutam eṣa sannilayo yasmād brāhmaṇastutatas tv ṛṣiḥ //

Translation

The verbal root (dhātu) ‘ṛṣ’ is said to denote ‘to go/move’ and ‘to harm’. Yet, where knowledge, truth, austerity (tapas), and sacred learning (śruta) are firmly established as an abiding seat—by that settled presence—such a Brāhmaṇa is praised as an ‘Ṛṣi’.

Word by Word

ṛṣiḥa seer, sage

hiṃsāharm, injury

gatauin the sense of going/moving

dhātuḥverbal root

vidyāknowledge, learning

satyamtruth

tapaḥausterity, spiritual heat

śrutamVedic revelation, sacred learning

eṣaḥthis

sannilayaḥfirm abode, settled seat, stable residence

yasmātbecause of which/whereby

brāhmaṇaḥa Brāhmaṇa (knower of Brahman/Veda)

stutataḥbeing praised/commended

tuindeed

ṛṣiḥ(is called) a Ṛṣi

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, in the didactic flow of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

ṚṣiBrāhmaṇaVidyāSatyaTapaḥŚruti

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a dharma-style definition identifying the inner qualifications of an Ṛṣi—knowledge, truth, austerity, and śruti—rather than cosmology.

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

It implies that rulers and householders should honor and seek counsel from those Brāhmaṇas in whom vidyā, satya, tapaḥ, and śruti are firmly established—i.e., genuine sages—since such people embody authoritative dharmic guidance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is that śruti-based learning and tapas are presented as core credentials for priestly/sage authority in rites and instruction.