Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Tripura’s Prosperity

Devanagari script

पुरा सुशीला भूत्वा च दुःशीलत्वमुपागताः देवांस्तपोधनांश्चैव बाधन्ते त्रिपुरालयाः //

Transliteration

purā suśīlā bhūtvā ca duḥśīlatvamupāgatāḥ devāṃstapodhanāṃścaiva bādhante tripurālayāḥ //

Translation

Though formerly of good conduct, the inhabitants of Tripura have fallen into wicked ways; they now harass both the gods and the ascetic sages rich in austerity.

Word by Word

• purā: formerly, in earlier times

• suśīlāḥ: well-conducted, virtuous

• bhūtvā: having been

• ca: and

• duḥśīlatvam: evil conduct, depravity

• upāgatāḥ: having come to, having fallen into

• devān: the gods

• tapodhanān: those whose wealth is tapas—ascetics/sages

• caiva: and indeed

• bādhante: they afflict, oppress, harass

• tripurālayāḥ: the dwellers of Tripura (the three cities)

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Tripura
• Devas
• Tapodhanas (ascetic sages)

Tags

• Tripura
• Daitya conflict
• Dharma decline
• Devas and Rishis
• Tapas

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic dissolution; it highlights ethical decline—beings who were once virtuous become corrupt and thereby generate conflict that disturbs divine and ascetic order.

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

It implies a core dharma principle: when conduct decays, society begins to persecute the righteous (gods and sages). A king/householder must protect tapasvins and uphold good conduct, preventing the rise of oppressive, adharma-driven forces.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, “Tripura” points to the famed ‘three cities’ motif, but this specific verse emphasizes moral behavior rather than Vastu rules; its takeaway is that even splendid cities become sources of suffering when ruled by duḥśīla (wicked conduct).