Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayāga

Devanagari script

क्लिश्यते चापरस्तत्र नैव योगमवाप्नुयात् जन्मान्तरसहस्रेभ्यो योगो लभ्येत मानवैः //

Transliteration

kliśyate cāparastatra naiva yogamavāpnuyāt janmāntarasahasrebhyo yogo labhyeta mānavaiḥ //

Translation

Another person, though striving there, becomes worn down and still does not attain Yoga; for human beings, Yoga is obtained only after thousands of births.

Word by Word

• क्लिश्यते (kliśyate): is afflicted/struggles

• च (ca): and

• अपरः (aparaḥ): another (person)

• तत्र (tatra): therein/in that pursuit

• नैव (naiva): not at all

• योगम् (yogam): Yoga (spiritual union/discipline)

• अवाप्नुयात् (avāpnuyāt): would attain

• जन्मान्तर (janmāntara): other births/rebirths

• सहस्रेभ्यः (sahasrebhyaḥ): from thousands (i.e., after thousands)

• योगः (yogaḥ): Yoga

• लभ्येत (labhyeta): is obtained/is gained

• मानवैः (mānavaiḥ): by humans.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Yoga
• Manu (implied dialogue context)
• Humans (mānavaiḥ)

Tags

• Yoga
• Moksha
• Sadhana
• Karma
• Spiritual Discipline

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the long karmic timescale of spiritual progress, implying that liberation-oriented Yoga matures across many rebirths rather than in a single life.

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

It frames Yoga as difficult and long-term, encouraging kings and householders to practice steady dharma, self-control, and disciplined sādhanā without impatience—accepting gradual purification over lifetimes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse; its takeaway is soteriological—Yoga is hard-won and requires sustained effort rather than external ritual/architectural prescriptions.