Shloka 29

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

एषा चतुर्युगाख्या तु साधिका त्वेकसप्ततिः कृतत्रेतादियुक्ता सा मनोरन्तरमुच्यते //

Transliteration

eṣā caturyugākhyā tu sādhikā tvekasaptatiḥ kṛtatretādiyuktā sā manorantaramucyate //

Translation

This unit called a “cycle of four yugas”—seventy-one of them (with an additional portion), comprising Kṛta, Tretā, and the rest—is declared to be the interval of a Manu (a Manvantara).

Word by Word

• eṣā: this

• caturyuga-ākhyā: called a four-yuga cycle

• tu: indeed

• sādhikā: with an addition/supplement (over and above the base count)

• ekasaptatiḥ: seventy-one

• kṛta-tretā-ādi-yuktā: consisting of Kṛta, Tretā, etc. (i.e., the four yugas)

• sā: that

• manoḥ: of Manu

• antaram: interval/period

• ucyate: is said/declared

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Manu
• Caturyuga
• Kṛtayuga
• Tretāyuga

Tags

• Manvantara
• Yuga
• Cosmology
• TimeCycles
• PuranicChronology

FAQs

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

It defines the time-structure governing creation’s recurring epochs: a Manvantara is measured as seventy-one four-yuga cycles (with an extra junctional portion), which frames the periodic renewals that culminate in larger dissolutions.

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

Indirectly, it situates dharma within cosmic time: royal and household duties are taught as yuga-conditioned, meaning conduct and governance are understood against the backdrop of changing ages within a Manu’s reign.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is calendrical—ritual timing and Purāṇic reckoning often rely on yuga/Manvantara computations for situating sacred history and observances.