Shloka 34

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

Devanagari script

जनानां वृत्तयस्तिस्रो ये गृहाश्रमवासिनः अस्माकं तु वरं वृत्तिर् वनाश्रमनिवासिनाम् //

Transliteration

janānāṃ vṛttayastisro ye gṛhāśramavāsinaḥ asmākaṃ tu varaṃ vṛttir vanāśramanivāsinām //

Translation

For people who live in the householder stage, there are three recognized modes of livelihood; but for us, the superior livelihood is that of those who dwell in the forest-hermitage (the vānaprastha life).

Word by Word

• janānām: of people

• vṛttayaḥ: livelihoods/ways of living

• tisraḥ: three

• ye: who

• gṛhāśrama-vāsinaḥ: residing in the householder āśrama

• asmākam: for us/our

• tu: however/indeed

• varam: better/superior

• vṛttiḥ: livelihood/way of life

• vanāśrama-nivāsinām: of those living in the forest-āśrama (vānaprasthas).

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on dharma and āśrama conduct)

Entities Mentioned

• Gṛhastha (Householder)
• Vanāśrama / Vānaprastha (Forest-dweller)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ashrama
• Vānaprastha
• Gṛhastha
• Ethics

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is ethical instruction about āśrama-dharma, contrasting livelihoods and praising the forest-dweller’s way of life rather than describing cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames gṛhastha life as having defined, regulated livelihoods, while holding up vānaprastha as a higher ideal—guiding householders (and rulers) to value restraint, simplicity, and eventual withdrawal toward spiritual discipline.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or temple rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the prioritization of āśrama-based discipline—especially the forest stage associated with austerity, reduced possessions, and contemplative practice.