Shloka 38

Matsya Purana — The Madana-Dvādaśī Vow and the Birth of the Maruts

Devanagari script

न स्थातव्यं न गन्तव्यं वृक्षमूलेषु सर्वदा नोपस्करेषूपविशेन् मुसलोलूखलादिषु //

Transliteration

na sthātavyaṃ na gantavyaṃ vṛkṣamūleṣu sarvadā nopaskareṣūpaviśen musalolūkhalādiṣu //

Translation

One should never stand or loiter at the base of trees; nor should one sit upon household implements such as pestles, mortars, and the like.

Word by Word

• na: not

• sthātavyam: should be stood (should stand/should loiter)

• na: not

• gantavyam: should be gone (should move about/should frequent)

• vṛkṣa-mūleṣu: at the roots/bases of trees

• sarvadā: always

• na: not

• upaskareṣu: on utensils/implements/household articles

• upaviśet: one should sit

• musala: pestle

• ulūkhala: mortar

• ādiṣu: and others (etc.).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Sadachara
• Householder
• Purity
• Etiquette

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it gives practical rules of sadācāra (proper conduct) meant to preserve purity, safety, and auspiciousness in daily life.

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

It functions as a behavioral restraint: a householder (and by extension a ruler who models dharma) should maintain cleanliness and respect for domestic tools, and avoid lingering in places considered unsafe or ritually improper (like tree roots).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it treats household implements as objects tied to purity and daily rites, not as seats. Spatially, it implies disciplined use of domestic areas—an ethos aligned with Matsya Purana’s broader concern for orderly living spaces (often linked with Vāstu-oriented cleanliness and auspicious conduct).