Shloka 42

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

Devanagari script

न मुक्तकेशा तिष्ठेत नाशुचिः स्यात्कदाचन न शयीतोत्तरशिरा न चापरशिराः क्वचित् //

Transliteration

na muktakeśā tiṣṭheta nāśuciḥ syātkadācana na śayītottaraśirā na cāparaśirāḥ kvacit //

Translation

One should not stand with the hair left loose, and one should never remain in a state of impurity. One should not lie down with the head toward the north, nor ever with the head toward the west.

Word by Word

• na: not

• muktakeśā: with loosened/untied hair

• tiṣṭheta: should stand/remain

• na: not

• aśuciḥ: impure, unclean (ritually or bodily)

• syāt: should be/become

• kadācana: at any time

• na: not

• śayīta: should lie down/sleep

• uttara-śirā: with the head toward the north

• na: not

• ca: and

• apara-śirāḥ: with the head toward the west

• kvacit: anywhere/ever

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Ācāra
• Śauca
• Ritual purity
• Directional rules

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharmic conduct—maintaining cleanliness and observing direction-based restraints as part of disciplined living.

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

It prescribes everyday standards of decorum and ritual cleanliness (śauca) expected of householders and rulers alike, emphasizing self-regulation—proper grooming (not standing with loose hair), avoiding impurity, and observing auspicious directions while resting.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The directional rule (avoiding sleeping with the head to the north or west) aligns with traditional ritual-direction etiquette often echoed in Vastu-oriented practice, where orientation is treated as affecting auspiciousness and well-being.