Shloka 33

Matsya Purana — Pṛthu

Devanagari script

धर्मैकवासना लोकाः पृथौ राज्यं प्रशासति कथितानि च पात्राणि यत्क्षीरं च मया तव //

Transliteration

dharmaikavāsanā lokāḥ pṛthau rājyaṃ praśāsati kathitāni ca pātrāṇi yatkṣīraṃ ca mayā tava //

Translation

When Pṛthu governed the kingdom, the people were devoted solely to dharma. And I have also told you of the vessels, together with the matter of milk, insofar as it pertains to you.

Word by Word

• dharma: righteousness, sacred duty

• eka: sole, single

• vāsanā: inclination, disposition

• lokāḥ: the people, the worlds/folk

• pṛthau: in/under Pṛthu (King Pṛthu)

• rājyaṃ: the kingdom, sovereignty

• praśāsati: while ruling, governing

• kathitāni: have been described/told

• ca: and

• pātrāṇi: vessels, पात्र (ritual/receiving containers)

• yat: which/that

• kṣīram: milk

• ca: also

• mayā: by me

• tava: to you/for you.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• King Pṛthu
• Dharma
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dharma
• Kingship
• Ritual Vessels
• Puranic Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly discuss pralaya; it highlights an ideal dharmic society during King Pṛthu’s rule and briefly alludes to prior instructions on ritual vessels and milk offerings.

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

It presents King Pṛthu as a model ruler whose governance fostered exclusive commitment to dharma among the people, implying that a king’s primary duty is to uphold dharma so that social conduct becomes naturally righteous.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse references “vessels” (pātra) and “milk” (kṣīra), suggesting ritual procedure or proper receptacles for offerings—useful for understanding Matsya Purana’s practical guidance on correct materials and offerings in rites.