Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Dialogue of Kacha and Devayani: Dharma

Devanagari script

एवं ज्ञात्वा विजानीहि यद्ब्रवीमि तपोधन व्रतस्थे नियमोपेते यथा वर्ताम्यहं त्वयि //

Transliteration

evaṃ jñātvā vijānīhi yadbravīmi tapodhana vratasthe niyamopete yathā vartāmyahaṃ tvayi //

Translation

Knowing thus, understand well what I declare, O treasure of austerity: as you stand firm in your vow and are endowed with disciplined observances, so do I conduct myself toward you accordingly.

Word by Word

• एवं (evaṃ): thus

• ज्ञात्वा (jñātvā): having known/understood

• विजानीहि (vijānīhi): know clearly, understand well

• यत् (yat): what

• ब्रवीमि (bravīmi): I speak, I declare

• तपोधन (tapodhana): O wealth of austerity (one rich in tapas)

• व्रतस्थे (vratasthe): established in a vow, steadfast in sacred observance

• नियमोपेते (niyamopete): endowed with niyamas (disciplines), furnished with restraints

• यथा (yathā): as, in the manner that

• वर्तामि (vartāmi): I behave, I act, I abide

• अहम् (aham): I

• त्वयि (tvayi): toward you, in relation to you.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Vratadharma
• Niyama
• Guru-Instruction

FAQs

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

It frames the Pralaya dialogue ethically: divine instruction and protection are presented as responding to Manu’s vow (vrata) and disciplined restraint (niyama), setting the moral tone for the Great Flood narrative.

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

It emphasizes that steadfast observance of vows and self-regulation are foundational duties; a ruler or householder who is firm in vrata-niyama becomes fit to receive right counsel and act in harmony with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-building rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the primacy of vrata and niyama—disciplined observance—as the qualifying basis for receiving sacred instruction.