Shloka 72

Matsya Purana — Tārakāsura’s Austerity and Boon; Mobilization for War; Bṛhaspati’s Fourfold P...

Devanagari script

आक्रान्ते तु क्रिया युक्ता सतामेतन्महाव्रतम् दुर्जनः सुजनत्वाय कल्पते न कदाचन //

Transliteration

ākrānte tu kriyā yuktā satāmetanmahāvratam durjanaḥ sujanatvāya kalpate na kadācana //

Translation

When one is assailed, action is indeed fitting—this is the great vow of the righteous. Yet a wicked person is never fit to become a good man.

Word by Word

• आक्रान्ते: when attacked/overpowered

• तु: indeed/but

• क्रिया: action, deliberate undertaking

• युक्ता: proper, fitting, appropriate

• सताम्: of the good/virtuous

• एतत्: this

• महाव्रतम्: great vow/firm vow

• दुर्जनः: a wicked person

• सुजनत्वाय: for the state of being a good person/gentleness

• कल्पते: becomes fit/is capable

• न: not

• कदाचन: ever/at any time

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• sat (the virtuous)
• durjana (the wicked)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ethics
• Self-defense
• Sadachara
• Kingship

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches practical dharma—when confronted by aggression, the righteous may take appropriate action rather than remain passive.

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

It supports rajadharma and household ethics: a king (or householder) should respond decisively to harm and protect order, while recognizing that habitual wrongdoers may not be reliably reformed and may require restraint or punishment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu/temple-architecture rule is stated here; the verse focuses on ethical conduct and justified action in the face of attack.