Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

अष्टावात्मगुणास् तस्मिन् प्रधानत्वेन संस्थिताः दया सर्वेषु भूतेषु क्षान्ती रक्षातुरस्य तु //

Transliteration

aṣṭāvātmaguṇās tasmin pradhānatvena saṃsthitāḥ dayā sarveṣu bhūteṣu kṣāntī rakṣāturasya tu //

Translation

In him (the protector), eight virtues of character are established as foremost—compassion toward all beings; and for one devoted to protection, patience and forbearance are essential qualities.

Word by Word

• aṣṭau: eight

• ātma-guṇāḥ: inner virtues/qualities of character

• tasmin: in him (in that person)

• pradhānatvena: as primary/foremost

• saṃsthitāḥ: are firmly established

• dayā: compassion/mercy

• sarveṣu: toward all

• bhūteṣu: beings/creatures

• kṣāntī: patience, forbearance, forgiveness

• rakṣā-turasya: of one intent on protection/guardianship (protector)

• tu: indeed/and especially

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, Rajadharma-style teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Rakṣā-tura (protector/guardian)

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Compassion
• Forbearance

FAQs

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

This verse is ethical rather than cosmological; it highlights virtues (compassion and forbearance) expected of a protector, not events of creation or pralaya.

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

It frames rulership/guardianship as moral restraint: a king (or any guardian) should protect all beings with compassion (dayā) and maintain patience/forgiveness (kṣānti) while enforcing order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the takeaway is that temple-building, ritual leadership, and governance alike must rest on non-cruelty and forbearance as foundational virtues.