Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — The Kauśika Descendants: Śrāddha

Devanagari script

योगभ्रष्टास्त्रयस्तेषां बभ्रमुश् चाल्पचेतनाः दृष्ट्वा विभ्राजमानं तम् उद्याने स्त्रीभिरन्वितम् //

Transliteration

yogabhraṣṭāstrayasteṣāṃ babhramuś cālpacetanāḥ dṛṣṭvā vibhrājamānaṃ tam udyāne strībhiranvitam //

Translation

Three among them—fallen from yoga and of little discernment—began to wander about; and on seeing him shining brilliantly in the garden, attended by women, they were drawn toward that spectacle.

Word by Word

• योगभ्रष्टाः: fallen from yoga/spiritual discipline

• त्रयः: three

• तेषाम्: among them/of them

• बभ्रमुः: wandered/roamed about

• च: and

• अल्पचेतनाः: of small understanding/weak-minded

• दृष्ट्वा: having seen

• विभ्राजमानम्: shining brilliantly

• तम्: him

• उद्याने: in the garden/pleasure-grove

• स्त्रीभिः: by women

• अन्वितम्: accompanied/attended.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) relaying the episode (third-person narrative within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Yoga-bhraṣṭas
• Women (strī)

Tags

• Yoga
• Temptation
• Delusion
• Ethics
• Narrative

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on a moral-psychological theme—how those who have fallen from yogic discipline can be diverted by dazzling worldly scenes.

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

It highlights the need for viveka (discernment) and self-restraint: rulers and householders are warned that fascination with luxury, pleasure-gardens, and sensual company can weaken judgment and lead to ethical decline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The only setting detail is “udyāna” (garden/pleasure-grove), used as a narrative symbol of refined enjoyment; no direct Vastu Shastra rule or ritual procedure is stated in this verse.