Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — The Greatness of Prayāga

Devanagari script

यथैवान्यददृष्टं च यथादृष्टं यथाश्रुतम् शास्त्रं प्रमाणं कृत्वा च युज्यते योगमात्मनः //

Transliteration

yathaivānyadadṛṣṭaṃ ca yathādṛṣṭaṃ yathāśrutam śāstraṃ pramāṇaṃ kṛtvā ca yujyate yogamātmanaḥ //

Translation

In the same way—regarding what is unseen, what is directly seen, and what is heard from reliable tradition—one should take the śāstra as pramāṇa, the valid means of knowledge; and, having made it the authority, one should apply oneself to the yoga of the Self (Ātman).

Word by Word

• yathā eva: just as/likewise

• anyat: other/another (matter)

• adṛṣṭam: unseen, not directly perceived

• ca: and

• yathā-dṛṣṭam: as (it is) seen, as directly perceived

• yathā-śrutam: as heard, as received from tradition

• śāstram: scripture/treatise (authoritative teaching)

• pramāṇam: valid means of knowledge, authority

• kṛtvā: having made/established

• ca: and

• yujyate: one is yoked/applies oneself/should engage

• yogam: yoga, disciplined union/meditation

• ātmanaḥ: of the Self (inner spirit).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, on dharma and yogic discipline)

Entities Mentioned

• Shastra
• Atman
• Yoga

Tags

• Yoga
• Shastra-pramana
• Dharma
• Epistemology
• Spiritual practice

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it establishes that for realities not accessible to ordinary perception (adṛṣṭa), śāstra functions as pramāṇa, which is crucial for understanding cosmic matters (like creation and dissolution) that are beyond direct seeing.

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

It implies that governance and household ethics should be grounded in śāstra-based authority—especially where outcomes are unseen (adṛṣṭa), such as karmic results—so one’s conduct and discipline (including inner yoga) align with dharma rather than mere opinion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific vāstu or temple rule is stated; however, it supports the general Matsya Purana principle that ritual and technical disciplines (including vāstu-vidyā) must be practiced by treating śāstra as the decisive authority.