Shloka 70

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

कृतयुगप्रमाणं च त्रेताद्वापरयोस्तथा कलियुगप्रमाणं च युगदोषं युगक्षयम् //

Transliteration

kṛtayugapramāṇaṃ ca tretādvāparayostathā kaliyugapramāṇaṃ ca yugadoṣaṃ yugakṣayam //

Translation

“(I shall explain) the measure of the Kṛta Yuga, and likewise of the Tretā and Dvāpara; also the measure of the Kali Yuga—together with the defects of each age and the waning (decline) of the yugas.”

Word by Word

• kṛtayuga: the Kṛta (Satya) Age

• pramāṇam: measure, duration/standard

• ca: and

• tretā: the Tretā Age

• dvāparayoḥ: of the Dvāpara (and by pairing, of Tretā and Dvāpara)

• tathā: likewise/so too

• kali-yuga: the Kali Age

• pramāṇam: measure, duration

• yuga-doṣam: the fault/defect characteristic of an age

• yuga-kṣayam: the decline, diminution, waning/end of an age

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (context: yuga-pramāṇa exposition)

Entities Mentioned

• Kṛta Yuga
• Tretā Yuga
• Dvāpara Yuga
• Kali Yuga

Tags

• Yuga
• Kalachakra
• Dharma-Decline
• Purana-Cosmology
• Time-Measure

FAQs

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

It frames cosmic time as cyclical: each yuga has a defined measure and a progressive “decline” (kṣaya). This yuga-wise degeneration is a key backdrop for larger cycles that culminate in periodic dissolution (pralaya), even though pralaya is not described directly in this single verse.

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

By announcing “yuga-doṣa” (age-specific defects), the text implies that dharma and governance must be calibrated to the times—kings and householders should uphold conduct appropriate to the prevailing yuga, countering its characteristic moral weaknesses (especially in Kali).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the relevance is contextual: yuga-based decline often determines which rites, standards, and allowable practices are emphasized or simplified in later ages, a principle used across Purāṇic ritual guidance.