Shloka 109

Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage

Devanagari script

यदि कृत्स्नो मया धर्मो ज्ञायते चरितो ऽपि वा तेन सत्येन जीवस्व यदि सत्यं वदाम्यहम् //

Transliteration

yadi kṛtsno mayā dharmo jñāyate carito 'pi vā tena satyena jīvasva yadi satyaṃ vadāmyaham //

Translation

If I have truly understood the whole of dharma, and have also practiced it, then by that truth may you live—if I am speaking the truth.

Word by Word

• यदि (yadi): if

• कृत्स्नः (kṛtsnaḥ): entire, complete

• मया (mayā): by me

• धर्मः (dharmaḥ): dharma, righteous law/duty

• ज्ञायते (jñāyate): is known/understood

• चरितः (caritaḥ): practiced, carried out

• अपि (api): also

• वा (vā): or/even

• तेन (tena): by that

• सत्येन (satyena): by (the power of) truth

• जीवस्व (jīvasva): live, survive

• यदि (yadi): if

• सत्यम् (satyam): truth

• वदामि (vadāmi): I speak

• अहम् (aham): I

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (invoking satya as protective power during the Matsya Purana flood episode)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Satya (Truth)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Matsya-Avatara
• Dharma
• Satya
• Manu

FAQs

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

It reflects the pralaya setting indirectly: Manu seeks protection and survival through a satya-assertion, a common Purāṇic motif where truth is invoked as a saving force amid cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames dharma not only as knowledge but as lived conduct; the speaker claims both understanding and practice of duty, implying that a ruler/householder’s ethical integrity (truthfulness and dharma) is the foundation of protection and legitimacy.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual significance is the satyavacana (truth-declaration) used as a protective vow/prayer, highlighting truth as an efficacious spiritual act.