Shloka 152

Matsya Purana — The Strategy to Defeat Tāraka: Pārvatī’s Birth

Devanagari script

तत्रापि जातौ श्रेष्ठायां धर्मस्योत्कर्षणेन तु अपुत्रजन्मिनः शेषाः प्राणिनः समवस्थिताः //

Transliteration

tatrāpi jātau śreṣṭhāyāṃ dharmasyotkarṣaṇena tu aputrajanminaḥ śeṣāḥ prāṇinaḥ samavasthitāḥ //

Translation

Even there, within the highest class of birth, it is through the exaltation of dharma that the remaining living beings—those born without sons—are duly placed in their respective condition.

Word by Word

tatra apieven there/among them

jātauin birth, in the social class/condition of birth

śreṣṭhāyāmin the श्रेष्ठ (best/highest)

dharmasyaof dharma, of righteous duty

utkarṣaṇenaby the raising/exaltation, by the strengthening

tuindeed/but

aputra-janminaḥthose born without a son, sonless persons

śeṣāḥthe rest/remaining

prāṇinaḥliving beings/creatures

samavasthitāḥare properly situated/stand established/are arranged accordingly

Speaker

Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (likely narrative frame)

Entities Mentioned

Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on dharma as the ordering principle that determines how beings are ‘placed’ or regarded within social and moral hierarchies.

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

It implies that dharma—not merely birth—governs social standing and outcomes; for householders, the verse highlights the importance of lineage/offspring concerns under dharma, while for kings it supports dharmic governance that evaluates merit and duty beyond status alone.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is ethical: dharma is the decisive standard for proper placement and recognition within society, which can indirectly guide ritual eligibility and social rites.