Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Yayāti and His Sons: The Exchange of Youth and Old Age

Devanagari script

अशक्तः कार्यकरणे परिभूतः स यौवने सहोपजीविभिश्चैव तज्जरां नाभिकामये //

Transliteration

aśaktaḥ kāryakaraṇe paribhūtaḥ sa yauvane sahopajīvibhiścaiva tajjarāṃ nābhikāmaye //

Translation

If, even in youth, one is powerless to perform one’s duties and is scorned—especially by those who live upon one’s support—then one would not wish for that same old age to arrive.

Word by Word

• aśaktaḥ: incapable, powerless

• kārya-karaṇe: in the performance of tasks/duties

• paribhūtaḥ: humiliated, treated with contempt

• sa: he/that person

• yauvane: in youth

• saha: along with, especially in relation to

• upajīvibhiḥ: dependents, those maintained by one’s livelihood

• ca eva: and indeed

• tat-jarām: that old age (i.e., the feared condition of senescence)

• na abhikāmaye: I do not desire, I would not wish for

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (in dialogue framework with Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dharma
• Human condition
• Aging
• Dependence
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on the personal, ethical anxiety of aging—especially when one is already weak and disrespected even in youth.

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

It underscores a dharmic warning: a leader or householder should cultivate competence and self-reliance, because dependency and inability to perform duties invite contempt—even from dependents—making old age socially and psychologically burdensome.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the takeaway is ethical and social—maintaining capability and dignity across life stages.