Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Marks of Karma-yoga and the Five Great Daily Sacrifices

Devanagari script

न च द्रव्येषु कार्पण्यम् आर्तेषूपार्जितेषु च तथास्पृहा परद्रव्ये परस्त्रीषु च सर्वदा //

Transliteration

na ca dravyeṣu kārpaṇyam ārteṣūpārjiteṣu ca tathāspṛhā paradravye parastrīṣu ca sarvadā //

Translation

One should not be miserly with one’s wealth—especially with wealth acquired for the relief of the distressed; and one should always remain free from craving for another’s property and for another’s wife.

Word by Word

• na: not

• ca: and

• dravyeṣu: with regard to wealth/possessions

• kārpaṇyam: miserliness, stinginess

• ārteṣu: toward/for the afflicted, the distressed

• upārjiteṣu: in what is acquired/earned

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• aspṛhā: non-craving, absence of desire

• para-dravye: in another’s wealth/property

• para-strīṣu: in other men’s women/wives

• ca: and

• sarvadā: always

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in dharma-oriented conduct (Rajadharma/Grihastha ethics).

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Grihastha
• Ethics
• Self-restraint

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharmic self-restraint—generosity with one’s wealth and non-covetousness toward others’ possessions and spouses.

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

It frames core duties of rulers and householders: do not hoard wealth, especially when it should relieve the distressed, and maintain strict restraint by not desiring others’ property or wives—key pillars of social order and righteous governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu/temple-building or ritual procedure is mentioned; the significance is ethical—purity of conduct and responsible use of wealth, which underpins merit in all religious and social acts.