Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — The Chapter on Conquering Anger: Forbearance

Devanagari script

यः समुत्पतितं क्रोधं निगृह्णाति हयं यथा स यन्तेत्युच्यते सद्भिर् न यो रश्मिषु लम्बते //

Transliteration

yaḥ samutpatitaṃ krodhaṃ nigṛhṇāti hayaṃ yathā sa yantetyucyate sadbhir na yo raśmiṣu lambate //

Translation

One who restrains anger as one would rein in a horse that has suddenly bolted—such a person is called a true charioteer by the virtuous, not one who merely hangs on to the reins.

Word by Word

• yaḥ: whoever

• samutpatitam: suddenly arisen/bolted forth

• krodham: anger

• nigṛhṇāti: restrains, checks

• hayam: a horse

• yathā: just as

• saḥ: he

• yantā: charioteer/controller

• iti: thus

• ucyate: is called

• sadbhiḥ: by the good/wise

• na: not

• yaḥ: who

• raśmiṣu: on the reins

• lambate: hangs/merely clings

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dharma
• Self-control
• Anger management
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya directly; it teaches inner governance—mastery over sudden anger—presented as a foundational virtue alongside broader dharmic instruction in the Purana.

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

It frames true leadership as self-control: a king (or householder) is a real “charioteer” only when he checks anger at its rise, preventing rash punishment, harsh speech, and impulsive decisions that harm social order (dharma).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse uses a chariot-horse metaphor to emphasize ethical restraint, a prerequisite mindset for correctly performing rituals and administering dharma.