Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation, Shloka 61

Devanagari script

महाधनुर्धराश्चैव त्रेतायां चक्रवर्तिनः सर्वलक्षणपूर्णास्ते न्यग्रोधपरिमण्डलाः //

Transliteration

mahādhanurdharāścaiva tretāyāṃ cakravartinaḥ sarvalakṣaṇapūrṇāste nyagrodhaparimaṇḍalāḥ //

Translation

In the Tretā-yuga, they were mighty bearers of great bows and cakravartins (universal monarchs); endowed with all auspicious marks, they were broad and well-proportioned—like the wide-spreading circle of the nyagrodha (banyan).

Word by Word

• mahā-dhanuḥ-dharāḥ: wielders of great bows

• ca eva: and indeed

• tretāyām: in the Tretā-yuga

• cakravartinaḥ: universal rulers/sovereigns

• sarva-lakṣaṇa-pūrṇāḥ: complete with all auspicious bodily marks

• te: they

• nyagrodha-parimaṇḍalāḥ: banyan-like in breadth/roundness, broad and well-built in proportion

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing yuga-wise traits)

Entities Mentioned

• Tretā-yuga
• Cakravartin
• Nyagrodha (banyan tree)

Tags

• Yuga-Description
• Kingship
• Dynasties
• Royal-Iconography
• Auspicious-Marks

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it describes the qualities and stature of ideal rulers in the Tretā-yuga.

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

By portraying Tretā-yuga rulers as cakravartins (universal monarchs) with strength and auspicious qualities, it reinforces the Purāṇic ideal of kingship: power disciplined by dharma, protection, and exemplary conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, the term 'sarva-lakṣaṇa' aligns with iconographic and auspicious-mark traditions used in evaluating ideal forms—whether of kings, images, or consecrated persons.