Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — The Episode of Madhu and Kaiṭabha: Gunas

Devanagari script

सुखं यत्र मुदा युक्तं यत्र श्रीः कीर्तिरेव च येषां यत्काङ्क्षितं चैव तत्तदावां विचिन्तय //

Transliteration

sukhaṃ yatra mudā yuktaṃ yatra śrīḥ kīrtireva ca yeṣāṃ yatkāṅkṣitaṃ caiva tattadāvāṃ vicintaya //

Translation

Consider well—where happiness is joined with gladness, where prosperity and fame are found, and for whom the desired aim is actually fulfilled—reflect on that, for us both.

Word by Word

• सुखं (sukhaṃ): happiness

• यत्र (yatra): where/in whom

• मुदा (mudā): with joy, gladness

• युक्तं (yuktaṃ): united, accompanied

• श्रीः (śrīḥ): prosperity, fortune, auspicious success

• कीर्तिः (kīrtiḥ): fame, renown

• एव (eva): indeed

• च (ca): and

• येषां (yeṣāṃ): of whom/for whom

• यत्-काङ्क्षितं (yat-kāṅkṣitaṃ): what is desired, longed-for

• चैव (caiva): and indeed

• तत्-तत् (tattat): that very (result), each such (outcome)

• आवां (āvāṃ): we two, for us both

• विचिन्तय (vicintaya): ponder, deliberate, consider carefully

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Shri (Prosperity)
• Kirti (Fame)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Prosperity
• Happiness
• Counsel

FAQs

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

This verse does not speak directly about Pralaya; it functions as ethical counsel, emphasizing discernment about what leads to happiness, prosperity (śrī), and fame (kīrti).

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

It urges thoughtful deliberation (vicintaya) about which choices genuinely yield well-being—material prosperity, good reputation, and the attainment of rightful aims—central concerns in Rajadharma and gṛhastha conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is a general principle of selecting actions and policies that produce auspicious results (śrī) and public esteem (kīrti), which can indirectly guide patronage of rites and building works.