Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Chapter on Conquering Anger: Forbearance

Devanagari script

यः समुत्पतितं कोपं क्षमयैव निरस्यति यथोरगस्त्वचं जीर्णां स वै पुरुष उच्यते //

Transliteration

yaḥ samutpatitaṃ kopaṃ kṣamayaiva nirasyati yathoragastvacaṃ jīrṇāṃ sa vai puruṣa ucyate //

Translation

He who casts away anger the moment it arises—by forgiveness alone—just as a serpent sheds its worn-out skin, is truly called a real man.

Word by Word

• yaḥ: who

• samutpatitam: sprung up, suddenly arisen

• kopam: anger

• kṣamayā eva: by forgiveness alone

• nirasyati: casts off, rejects

• yathā: just as

• uragaḥ: a serpent

• tvacam: skin

• jīrṇām: old, worn out

• saḥ: he

• vai: indeed, truly

• puruṣaḥ: a man, a true person

• ucyate: is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• uraga (serpent)

Tags

• Dharma
• Kshama
• Self-control
• Ethics
• Niti

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it teaches inner discipline—anger should be shed immediately through forgiveness, highlighting moral order (dharma) rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

For a king, mastering anger prevents unjust punishment and preserves social stability; for a householder, forgiveness protects family harmony. The verse frames kṣamā (forbearance) as a defining virtue of an ideal person.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated directly; the practical takeaway is ethical purity—self-restraint and forgiveness are presented as foundational virtues that support righteous conduct in all duties, including rituals.