Shloka 52

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

ब्राह्मणैश्च विधीयन्ते क्षत्रियाः क्षत्रियैर्विशः वैश्याञ्छूद्रा अनुवर्तन्ते परस्परमनुग्रहात् //

Transliteration

brāhmaṇaiśca vidhīyante kṣatriyāḥ kṣatriyairviśaḥ vaiśyāñchūdrā anuvartante parasparamanugrahāt //

Translation

Brahmins guide and regulate the Kshatriyas; the Kshatriyas in turn regulate the common people (Vaishyas). The Shudras follow and serve the Vaishyas—thus, through mutual support and goodwill, the social order is sustained.

Word by Word

• brāhmaṇaiḥ: by the Brahmins

• ca: and

• vidhīyante: are directed/regulated/ordained

• kṣatriyāḥ: the Kshatriyas

• kṣatriyaiḥ: by the Kshatriyas

• viśaḥ: the people/the viś (commonly the Vaishya class)

• vaiśyān: the Vaishyas

• śūdrāḥ: the Shudras

• anuvartante: follow/attend/serve in due course

• parasparam: mutually/one another

• anugrahāt: from favor/support/grace (i.e., benevolent cooperation).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmin
• Kshatriya
• Vaishya
• Shudra

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Varna
• Social Order
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on dharma in society—how interdependent duties among the varnas preserve stability in ordinary time.

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

It frames the king’s role (Kshatriya duty) as regulation and protection of the people, while honoring Brahmin guidance; householders are implied within the viś/vaishya sphere, sustaining economy and receiving service—each level functioning through reciprocal responsibility rather than coercion alone.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-ritual rule is stated here; the significance is ethical and administrative—social cooperation is presented as the foundation on which rituals, patronage, and public works can successfully stand.