Shloka 37

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

कल्पप्रमाणो द्विगुणो यथा भवति संख्यया चतुर्युगाख्या व्याख्याता कृतं त्रेतायुगं च वै //

Transliteration

kalpapramāṇo dviguṇo yathā bhavati saṃkhyayā caturyugākhyā vyākhyātā kṛtaṃ tretāyugaṃ ca vai //

Translation

By numerical computation, the measure of a Kalpa becomes double; and the fourfold age-cycle (Caturyuga) has been explained—namely the Kṛta (Satya) Yuga and also the Tretā Yuga.

Word by Word

• kalpa-pramāṇaḥ: the measure/standard of a kalpa

• dviguṇaḥ: doubled/twofold

• yathā: as/in the manner that

• bhavati: becomes/is

• saṃkhyayā: by number, by numerical calculation

• caturyuga-ākhyā: called ‘caturyuga’, the four-yuga cycle

• vyākhyātā: has been explained/expounded

• kṛtam: Kṛta (Satya) yuga

• tretā-yugam: the Tretā yuga

• ca: and

• vai: indeed/assuredly.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kalpa
• Caturyuga
• Kṛta Yuga
• Tretā Yuga

Tags

• Cosmology
• Yuga
• Kalpa
• Timekeeping
• Puranic chronology

FAQs

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

It frames the cosmic timetable used to understand recurring creation and dissolution: by defining Kalpa-measurement through numerical reckoning and grounding it in the Caturyuga cycle.

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

Indirectly, it supplies the Purāṇic sense of time that underlies dharma across ages—standards of conduct shift by yuga, so rulers and householders are taught to align duties with the prevailing yuga framework.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the relevance is contextual—ritual calendars, auspicious timing, and long-cycle planning in Purāṇic tradition rely on yuga/kalpa time-reckoning.