Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Asuras; Birth of Aurva Fire; Countering Tamasī Māyā through ...

Devanagari script

यथायं विहितो धरो मुनीनां शाश्वतः पुरा आर्षं वै सेवतः कर्म वन्यमूलफलाशिनः //

Transliteration

yathāyaṃ vihito dharo munīnāṃ śāśvataḥ purā ārṣaṃ vai sevataḥ karma vanyamūlaphalāśinaḥ //

Translation

Thus is this eternal dharma of the sages, ordained from ancient times: they follow the ṛṣi-way of conduct, living on forest roots and fruits.

Word by Word

• yathā: just as/thus

• ayaṃ: this

• vihitaḥ: prescribed/ordained

• dharmaḥ (dharo): dharma, sacred rule

• munīnām: of the sages

• śāśvataḥ: eternal

• purā: formerly, in ancient times

• ārṣam: belonging to the ṛṣis, the rishi-tradition

• vai: indeed

• sevataḥ: of those who practise/observe

• karma: conduct, prescribed practice

• vanya: forest-born/wild

• mūla: roots

• phala: fruits

• āśinaḥ: eaters, those who subsist on

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya instructing Vaivasvata Manu (dharma-teaching context typical of the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Munis
• Rishis

Tags

• Dharma
• Ashrama
• Rishi-life
• Tapas
• Forest-dwelling

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it preserves continuity of dharma across ages by stating that the sages’ rule is “eternal” and established from ancient times.

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

Indirectly, it sets a benchmark of austere Ārṣa conduct (simple living, minimal needs) that kings and householders are expected to honor, protect, and support through righteous governance and charity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the ascetic discipline of the rishi-tradition—subsisting on forest roots and fruits as part of prescribed conduct.