Shloka 4

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

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः श्रोतुमिच्छामहे सूत कर्मयोगस्य लक्षणम् यस्मादविदितं लोके न किंचित्तव सुव्रत //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ śrotumicchāmahe sūta karmayogasya lakṣaṇam yasmādaviditaṃ loke na kiṃcittava suvrata //

Translation

The sages said: “O Sūta, we wish to hear the defining characteristics of karma-yoga; for in this world nothing is unknown to you, O man of excellent vows.”

Word by Word

• ऋषयः: the sages

• ऊचुः: said

• श्रोतुम्: to hear

• इच्छामहे: we desire

• सूत: O Sūta (narrator)

• कर्मयोगस्य: of karma-yoga (the discipline of selfless action)

• लक्षणम्: defining mark/characteristic

• यस्मात्: because/for

• अविदितम्: unknown

• लोके: in the world

• न: not

• किञ्चित्: anything

• तव: to you/for you

• सुव्रत: O one of good vows (virtuous, disciplined).

Speaker

• Rishis (sages) addressing Suta

Entities Mentioned

• Suta
• Rishis
• Karma-yoga

Tags

• Karma Yoga
• Dharma
• Ethics
• Suta Narration
• Spiritual Practice

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it introduces a doctrinal inquiry—requesting the marks of karma-yoga—showing the text’s ethical emphasis rather than cosmology in this moment.

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

By asking for the ‘lakṣaṇa’ of karma-yoga, the sages set up guidance for right action performed as duty—precisely the framework used in Purāṇic dharma for rulers and householders: acting responsibly without selfish attachment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu/temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse; its ritual significance is indirect—karma-yoga commonly includes performing rites and duties with the correct inner attitude (discipline and selflessness).