Shloka 30

Matsya Purana — Pṛthu

Devanagari script

नोपसर्गभयं किंचित् पृथौ राजनि शासति नित्यं प्रमुदिता लोका दुःखशोकविवर्जिताः //

Transliteration

nopasargabhayaṃ kiṃcit pṛthau rājani śāsati nityaṃ pramuditā lokā duḥkhaśokavivarjitāḥ //

Translation

When King Pṛthu ruled, there was no fear of any calamity at all; the people were ever cheerful, free from suffering and grief.

Word by Word

• na: not

• upasarga-bhayam: fear of calamities/afflictions (portents, epidemics, disasters)

• kiṃcit: even the least/anything

• pṛthau: when Pṛthu

• rājani: the king (locative: in/under the king)

• śāsati: ruling, governing

• nityam: always

• pramuditāḥ: delighted, gladdened

• lokāḥ: the people

• duḥkha: pain, suffering

• śoka: sorrow, grief

• vivarjitāḥ: devoid of, free from

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the results of righteous rule in the Pṛthu episode

Entities Mentioned

• Pṛthu

Tags

• Rajadharma
• IdealKing
• WelfareOfSubjects
• Pṛthu
• Dharma

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya; instead, it emphasizes that under a dharmic ruler like Pṛthu, society is protected from “upasarga” (public calamities), implying cosmic and social order rather than dissolution.

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

It presents the benchmark of kingship in Rajadharma: good governance should remove fear of disasters, maintain stability, and ensure citizens live with cheerfulness and without distress—an outcome of just administration, protection, and dharmic leadership.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu/ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is contextual—temples, towns, and rituals flourish when governance is stable and free from “upasarga,” which is the social foundation for Vāstu and public rites.