Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — The Origin of Yajña in Tretā Yuga and the Debate on Animal Sacrifice vs. Non-...

Devanagari script

एवं कृतोत्तरास्ते तु युज्यात्मानं ततो धिया अवश्यम्भाविनं दृष्ट्वा तमधो ह्यशपंस्तदा //

Transliteration

evaṃ kṛtottarāste tu yujyātmānaṃ tato dhiyā avaśyambhāvinaṃ dṛṣṭvā tamadho hyaśapaṃstadā //

Translation

Thus, having given their reply, they composed their minds with discernment; but seeing him as one bound to the inevitability of fate, they then cursed him to fall down to a lower state.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• kṛta-uttarāḥ: having made/given an answer, having responded

• te: they

• tu: indeed

• yujya-ātmānam: one whose self is yoked/steadied, composed in mind (acc.)

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• dhiyā: with intellect, with discernment

• avaśyam-bhāvinam: destined to happen, inevitable, fated

• dṛṣṭvā: having seen

• tam: him

• adhaḥ: downward, to a lower condition

• hi: indeed

• aśapan: they cursed (aorist/plural)

• tadā: then, at that time

Speaker

• Narrator (Sūta/aural narrator in Purāṇic frame), describing the sages’ action

Entities Mentioned

• Rishis (sages)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Fate
• Curse
• Dharma
• Rishis

FAQs

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

It reflects the post-Pralaya moral order: even after cosmic dissolution, actions and judgments (like a sage’s curse) operate within an inevitable karmic-fated framework (avaśyambhāva).

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

It underlines that discernment (dhī) and self-control are essential, yet one must also respect dharma and the authority of sages—misalignment can invite social-spiritual consequences symbolized by “falling down” through a curse.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse is ethical-philosophical, emphasizing fate, judgment, and the potency of a curse rather than temple-building rules.