Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Pṛthu

Devanagari script

न पुरग्रामदुर्गाणि न चायुधधरा नराः क्षयातिशयदुःखं च नार्थशास्त्रस्य चादरः //

Transliteration

na puragrāmadurgāṇi na cāyudhadharā narāḥ kṣayātiśayaduḥkhaṃ ca nārthaśāstrasya cādaraḥ //

Translation

There are no properly established cities, villages, or forts; nor are there men bearing arms. There is only the excessive misery of decline and loss, and no respect at all for the science of polity and wealth (Arthaśāstra).

Word by Word

• na: not/there is no

• pura: city

• grāma: village

• durga: fort/fortress

• -āṇi: (plural) such places

• ca: and

• āyudha-dharāḥ: weapon-bearing/armed

• narāḥ: men/people

• kṣaya: decline, loss, destruction

• atiśaya: excess, extreme degree

• duḥkham: suffering, misery

• arthaśāstrasya: of Arthaśāstra (statecraft, economics, governance)

• ādaraḥ: respect, regard, attentive observance

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Arthaśāstra

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Statecraft
• Social Decline
• Fortifications
• Governance

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya; it points to a societal “dissolution” where civic structures, defense, and governance collapse, producing widespread suffering.

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

It frames a king’s core duty as protecting settled life—building and maintaining towns and forts, ensuring trained defenders, and honoring Arthaśāstra (practical governance). Neglect of these leads to loss, insecurity, and public misery.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it stresses the necessity of organized settlements (pura/grāma) and fortified works (durga) as markers of a well-ordered realm—key themes often tied to planning, defense, and sustainable civic design.