Shloka 32

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

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मचर्यं तपः शौचम् अनुक्रोशं क्षमा धृतिः सनातनस्य धर्मस्य मूलमेव दुरासदम् //

Transliteration

brahmacaryaṃ tapaḥ śaucam anukrośaṃ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ sanātanasya dharmasya mūlameva durāsadam //

Translation

Brahmacarya (celibate self-restraint), tapas (austerity), purity, compassion, forgiveness, and steadfastness—these alone are the difficult-to-attain root of Sanātana Dharma.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मचर्यं (brahmacaryaṃ): celibate discipline/self-restraint

• तपः (tapaḥ): austerity, spiritual heat (tapas)

• शौचम् (śaucam): purity, cleanliness (outer and inner)

• अनुक्रोशं (anukrośaṃ): compassion, mercy

• क्षमा (kṣamā): forgiveness, forbearance

• धृतिः (dhṛtiḥ): firmness, steadiness, fortitude

• सनातनस्य (sanātanasya): of the eternal/immemorial

• धर्मस्य (dharmasya): of dharma (righteous order, duty)

• मूलम् (mūlam): root, foundation

• एव (eva): indeed/alone

• दुरासदम् (durāsadam): hard to attain, difficult to master

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Sanātana Dharma

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Sadachara
• Ethics
• Virtues

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it defines the inner virtues that preserve dharma across changing ages, including times of cosmic upheaval.

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

It lists the core character-virtues expected behind all duties: restraint (brahmacarya), disciplined effort (tapas), purity (śauca), compassion, forgiveness, and steadfast resolve—qualities that make governance and household life righteous rather than merely powerful or prosperous.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is that purity (śauca) and self-restraint are presented as foundational prerequisites for any sacred practice.