Shloka 41

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

Devanagari script

न तुषाङ्गारभस्मास्थिकपालेषु समाविशेत् वर्जयेत्कलहं लोकैर् गात्रभङ्गं तथैव च //

Transliteration

na tuṣāṅgārabhasmāsthikapāleṣu samāviśet varjayetkalahaṃ lokair gātrabhaṅgaṃ tathaiva ca //

Translation

One should not step into or come into contact with chaff, live embers, ashes, bones, or skulls. Likewise, one should avoid quarrelling with people and avoid bodily injury or mutilation.

Word by Word

• na: not

• tuṣa: chaff/husk

• aṅgāra: live embers/charcoal

• bhasma: ash

• asthi: bone

• kapāla: skull/skull-bowl

• -eṣu: in/among (locative plural)

• samāviśet: should enter/step into/come into contact

• varjayet: should avoid

• kalaham: quarrel/strife

• lokaiḥ: with people/among people

• gātra: body/limb

• bhaṅgam: breaking/injury/mutilation

• tathā eva ca: and likewise/also.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Achara
• Purity
• Non-violence
• Social Conduct

FAQs

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

It does not address Pralaya directly; it gives practical dharma-guidance on avoiding impure or inauspicious substances and maintaining social harmony.

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

It teaches restraint: avoid public quarrels and avoid causing or incurring bodily harm—key virtues for householders and especially rulers who must prevent conflict and protect bodies/lives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse implies rules of ritual purity and auspicious space-management: areas contaminated by ashes, bones, or skulls are to be avoided, aligning with temple/ritual cleanliness norms often echoed in Vastu-oriented practice.