Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

एषा द्वादशसाहस्री युगसंख्या तु संज्ञिता कृतं त्रेता द्वापरं च कलिश्चेति चतुष्टयम् //

Transliteration

eṣā dvādaśasāhasrī yugasaṃkhyā tu saṃjñitā kṛtaṃ tretā dvāparaṃ ca kaliśceti catuṣṭayam //

Translation

This is known as the yuga-count of twelve thousand (years): the fourfold set consisting of Kṛta, Tretā, Dvāpara, and Kali.

Word by Word

• eṣā: this

• dvādaśa-sāhasrī: twelve-thousand (as a measure)

• yuga-saṃkhyā: enumeration/numbering of the ages

• tu: indeed

• saṃjñitā: is designated/known

• kṛtam: the Kṛta (Satya) Yuga

• tretā: the Tretā Yuga

• dvāparam: the Dvāpara Yuga

• ca: and

• kaliḥ: the Kali Yuga

• iti: thus

• catuṣṭayam: a group of four, the tetrad

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kṛta (Satya) Yuga
• Tretā Yuga
• Dvāpara Yuga
• Kali Yuga

Tags

• Yuga
• Cosmology
• Time cycles
• Dharma decline
• Puranic chronology

FAQs

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

It defines the fundamental time-unit (the four yugas as a 12,000-year measure), which is used in the Matsya Purana to compute larger cycles that culminate in periodic dissolutions (pralayas).

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

By naming the four yugas, it implies that dharma and social duties vary with time; rulers and householders are expected to align conduct with the yuga’s prevailing strength of dharma, a recurring ethical theme in the Matsya Purana.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, yuga-chronology often frames when particular rites, temple practices, and standards are said to flourish or decline across ages in Purāṇic discussions.