Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — The Chapter on Conquering Anger: Forbearance

Devanagari script

यस्तु भावयते धर्मं यो ऽतिमात्रं तितिक्षति यश्च तप्तो न तपति भृशं सो ऽर्थस्य भाजनम् //

Transliteration

yastu bhāvayate dharmaṃ yo 'timātraṃ titikṣati yaśca tapto na tapati bhṛśaṃ so 'rthasya bhājanam //

Translation

But one who nurtures and strengthens Dharma, who endures beyond measure, and who—though afflicted—does not burn with excessive resentment: such a person becomes a fit vessel for artha (prosperity).

Word by Word

• यः (yaḥ): whoever

• तु (tu): indeed/but

• भावयते (bhāvayate): cultivates, causes to flourish

• धर्मम् (dharmam): righteousness, sacred duty

• यः (yaḥ): who

• अतिमात्रम् (atimātram): beyond measure, exceedingly

• तितिक्षति (titikṣati): endures, bears patiently

• यः च (yaś ca): and who

• तप्तः (taptaḥ): afflicted, heated by suffering

• न तपति (na tapati): does not burn, does not seethe

• भृशम् (bhṛśam): excessively, intensely

• सः (saḥ): he

• अर्थस्य (arthasya): of artha, wealth/prosperity

• भाजनम् (bhājanam): receptacle, worthy vessel

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and right conduct)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Artha

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Self-control
• Prosperity

FAQs

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

This verse is ethical rather than cosmological; it does not describe Pralaya, but teaches inner discipline—sustaining Dharma through endurance—which is presented as a foundation for stability and prosperity in life.

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

It frames a core Rajadharma principle: a ruler or householder should actively uphold Dharma, practice extraordinary forbearance, and avoid being consumed by anger under hardship—qualities that make one worthy of artha (legitimate prosperity and resources).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is preparatory—self-control and steadiness are portrayed as prerequisites for successfully managing dharmic works, including patronage of rituals or temple-building.