Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Chapter on Conquering Anger: Forbearance

Devanagari script

ये नैनमभिजानन्ति वृत्तेनाभिजनेन च तेषु साधुषु वस्तव्यं स वासः श्रेष्ठ उच्यते //

Transliteration

ye nainamabhijānanti vṛttenābhijanena ca teṣu sādhuṣu vastavyaṃ sa vāsaḥ śreṣṭha ucyate //

Translation

Among those who do not judge a person by conduct or by lineage—among such virtuous people one should dwell; that dwelling is said to be the best.

Word by Word

• ये (ye): those who

• न (na): not

• एनम् (enam): him/that person

• अभिजानन्ति (abhijānanti): recognize/judge/assess

• वृत्तेन (vṛttena): by conduct, character, livelihood

• अभिजनेन (abhijanena): by birth, lineage, family

• च (ca): and

• तेषु (teṣu): among them

• साधुषु (sādhuṣu): among the good/virtuous

• वस्तव्यम् (vastavyam): one should live/dwell

• सः (saḥ): that

• वासः (vāsaḥ): dwelling/residence/abode

• श्रेष्ठः (śreṣṭhaḥ): best/excellent

• उच्यते (ucyate): is said/called.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within an ethical discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Sādhu (the virtuous)

Tags

• Dharma
• Sadācāra
• Association
• Rajadharma
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharmic social ethics—where one should live and with whom one should associate.

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

It advises both rulers and householders to choose residence and community based on virtue and good association, prioritizing living among sādhus rather than seeking status-based environments tied to birth or reputation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the practical takeaway is ‘ethical vāsa’—the best dwelling is defined by the moral quality of one’s community, not by structures or ceremonies.