Shloka 11

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

Devanagari script

अष्टावात्मगुणाः प्रोक्ताः पुराणस्य तु कोविदैः अयमेव क्रियायोगो ज्ञानयोगस्य साधकः //

Transliteration

aṣṭāvātmaguṇāḥ proktāḥ purāṇasya tu kovidaiḥ ayameva kriyāyogo jñānayogasya sādhakaḥ //

Translation

The wise have declared eight inner qualities as the very essence of the Purāṇa; and this very discipline of Kriyā-yoga (the yoga of sacred practice) is what enables the attainment of Jñāna-yoga (the yoga of true knowledge).

Word by Word

• aṣṭau: eight

• ātma-guṇāḥ: inner qualities/essential attributes

• proktāḥ: have been taught/declared

• purāṇasya: of the Purāṇa

• tu: indeed

• kovidaiḥ: by the learned/wise

• ayam eva: this alone/this very (path)

• kriyā-yogaḥ: yoga of action/ritual discipline and observance

• jñāna-yogasya: of the yoga of knowledge

• sādhakaḥ: accomplisher/means that leads to attainment

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Purana
• Kriya-yoga
• Jnana-yoga

Tags

• Dharma
• Yoga
• Purana teachings
• Sadhana
• Spiritual discipline

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it frames the Purāṇa’s purpose as cultivating inner qualities and states that disciplined practice (kriyā-yoga) is a practical means toward liberating knowledge (jñāna).

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

It implies that rulers and householders should not treat ritual and duty as mere formality: ethical action, vows, charity, worship, and regulated living (kriyā) are presented as the supportive path that matures into wisdom (jñāna) and right governance/self-mastery.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architectural rules are not mentioned, but the verse is explicitly ritual-practice oriented: it validates kriyā (observances and sacred procedures) as an authentic sādhanā that prepares the mind for higher knowledge.