Shloka 52

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

Devanagari script

अजानन्किल तत्कार्यम् आत्मनः शुभमाचरन् ततो वर्षशतान्ते सा न्यूने तु दिवसैस् त्रिभिः //

Transliteration

ajānankila tatkāryam ātmanaḥ śubhamācaran tato varṣaśatānte sā nyūne tu divasais tribhiḥ //

Translation

Indeed, though not understanding the full consequence of that deed, he performed what was auspicious for himself; and then, at the end of a hundred years—short by only three days—that event came to pass.

Word by Word

• ajānān: not knowing/being unaware

• kila: indeed/it is said

• tat-kāryam: that act/deed (and its consequence)

• ātmanaḥ: for himself/for one’s own good

• śubham: auspicious/beneficial

• ācaran: performing/practising

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• varṣa-śata-ante: at the end of a hundred years

• sā: she/that (result/event)

• nyūne: lacking/short

• tu: but/indeed

• divasaiḥ: by days

• tribhiḥ: three

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in the Matsya–Manu narrative frame; explanatory narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Karma
• Time-calculation
• Auspicious-action
• Manu-Matsya
• Puranic-ethics

FAQs

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

It emphasizes precise cosmic/ritual timing—events ripen at a fixed measure (here, nearly a hundred years), a narrative device often used in the Pralaya prelude to show that destiny unfolds on schedule.

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

It teaches that one should still perform śubha-karma (beneficial, dharmic action) even without fully grasping outcomes; the fruit of right action manifests in due time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu/temple rule is stated; the key ritual takeaway is the emphasis on exact calendrical reckoning (years and days) for when results or prescribed events occur.