Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Omens in Tripura and the Nārada–Maya Dialogue on Dharma

Devanagari script

स इष्टप्रापको धर्म आचार्यैरुपदिश्यते इतरश्चानिष्टफल आचार्यैर्नोपदिश्यते //

Transliteration

sa iṣṭaprāpako dharma ācāryairupadiśyate itaraścāniṣṭaphala ācāryairnopadiśyate //

Translation

That dharma which leads to the attainment of the desired goal is taught by the teachers; but that other course, which yields undesirable results, is not taught by the teachers.

Word by Word

• saḥ: that

• iṣṭa-prāpakaḥ: bestowing attainment of what is desired

• dharmaḥ: righteous duty / prescribed conduct

• ācāryaiḥ: by teachers / preceptors

• upadiśyate: is instructed / taught

• itaraḥ: the other (course)

• ca: and

• aniṣṭa-phalaḥ: having undesirable fruit / yielding harmful results

• ācāryaiḥ: by teachers

• na upadiśyate (nopadiśyate): is not taught / is not prescribed

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s dharma-teaching dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Acharya (Ācārya)
• Dharma (Dharma)

Tags

• Dharma
• Achara
• Ethics
• Teacher-Student
• Right Conduct

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it frames dharma pragmatically—true dharma is what leads to wholesome, desired outcomes, while harmful-result paths are not sanctioned by authoritative teachers.

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

It gives a rule of discernment: a king or householder should follow conduct endorsed by competent ācāryas because it yields iṣṭa (welfare, stability, merit), and avoid actions that predictably produce aniṣṭa (social harm, personal downfall, demerit).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific vastu or temple rule is stated; however, it supports the broader Matsya Purana principle that rituals and procedures are valid when transmitted by qualified teachers and when they produce auspicious, intended results.