Shloka 12

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

Devanagari script

कर्मयोगं विना ज्ञानं कस्यचिन् नेह दृश्यते श्रुतिस्मृत्युदितं धर्मम् उपतिष्ठेत्प्रयत्नतः //

Transliteration

karmayogaṃ vinā jñānaṃ kasyacin neha dṛśyate śrutismṛtyuditaṃ dharmam upatiṣṭhetprayatnataḥ //

Translation

Without the discipline of karma-yoga, true knowledge is not seen to arise in anyone here. Therefore one should diligently adhere to the dharma taught in the Śruti and the Smṛti.

Word by Word

• कर्मयोगम् (karmayogam): the yoga of action, disciplined selfless work

• विना (vinā): without

• ज्ञानम् (jñānam): spiritual knowledge, true understanding

• कस्यचित् (kasyacit): in anyone, for any person

• इह (iha): here (in this world/this life)

• दृश्यते (dṛśyate): is seen, is found

• श्रुति-स्मृति-उदितम् (śruti-smṛty-uditam): declared in Śruti and Smṛti (Veda and tradition)

• धर्मम् (dharmam): dharma, righteous duty/law

• उपतिष्ठेत् (upatiṣṭhet): should take refuge in/should follow/should uphold

• प्रयत्नतः (prayatnataḥ): with effort, diligently.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, dharma-teaching context)

Entities Mentioned

• Shruti
• Smriti
• Dharma
• Karmayoga
• Jnana

Tags

• Dharma
• Karma Yoga
• Jnana
• Shruti-Smriti
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it teaches the practical path to wisdom—knowledge arises through disciplined action (karma-yoga) and adherence to Vedic-traditional dharma.

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

It frames duty as the foundation of insight: a king or householder should perform prescribed responsibilities in a karma-yoga spirit and follow dharma grounded in Śruti and Smṛti, rather than seeking “knowledge” while neglecting righteous action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific vastu/temple rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is methodological—follow rites and duties sanctioned by Śruti–Smṛti with sustained effort, since disciplined practice is presented as the means to genuine understanding.