Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — The Chapter on Conquering Anger: Forbearance

Devanagari script

यो यजेदश्वमेधेन मासि मासि शतं समाः यस्तु कुप्येन्न सर्वस्य तयोरक्रोधनो वरः //

Transliteration

yo yajedaśvamedhena māsi māsi śataṃ samāḥ yastu kupyenna sarvasya tayorakrodhano varaḥ //

Translation

Even if one were to perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice month after month for a hundred years, and another—toward everyone—never became angry, between the two, the one free from anger is superior.

Word by Word

• yo: whoever

• yajet: would perform (a sacrifice)

• aśvamedhena: by the Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice)

• māsi māsi: month after month

• śatam: a hundred

• samāḥ: years

• yaḥ tu: but whoever

• kupyet na: would not become angry

• sarvasya: toward all / with respect to everyone

• tayoḥ: of the two

• akrodhanaḥ: one who is without anger

• varaḥ: the better / superior

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the discourse framework of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Aśvamedha

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Sadachara
• Kṣamā
• Akrodha

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it teaches ethical hierarchy—inner self-mastery (akrodha) is valued above even the highest ritual merit.

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

For kings and householders, it prioritizes restraint and impartiality: not becoming angry “toward all” supports just governance, social harmony, and disciplined domestic conduct—greater than prestige gained through grand sacrifices.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it references the Aśvamedha as the pinnacle of Vedic sacrifice, then asserts that ethical virtue (akrodha) surpasses ritual performance—implying that inner dharma is the true measure of religious excellence.