Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Yayati and Indra: Counsel on Forbearance and Right Speech

Devanagari script

सद्भिः पुरस्तादभिपूजितः स्यात् सद्भिस्तथा पृष्ठतो रक्षितः स्यात् सदा सताम् अतिवादांस्तितिक्षेत् सतां वृत्तं पालयन्साधुवृतः //

Transliteration

sadbhiḥ purastādabhipūjitaḥ syāt sadbhistathā pṛṣṭhato rakṣitaḥ syāt sadā satām ativādāṃstitikṣet satāṃ vṛttaṃ pālayansādhuvṛtaḥ //

Translation

A man of saintly conduct is honored by the good in front, and likewise protected by the good from behind. He should always endure the harsh words of the virtuous, and—upholding the discipline of the righteous—remain firmly established in noble conduct.

Word by Word

• sadbhis: by the good/virtuous people

• purastāt: in front/before

• abhipūjitaḥ: honored/revered

• syāt: should be/is fit to be

• sadbhis tathā: likewise by the good

• pṛṣṭhataḥ: from behind

• rakṣitaḥ: protected/guarded

• sadā: always

• satām: of the virtuous/righteous

• ativādān: excessive/harsh words, rebukes, sharp speech

• titikṣet: should endure/forbear

• satām vṛttam: the conduct/discipline of the righteous

• pālayan: maintaining/upholding

• sādhuvṛtaḥ: one whose vows/behavior are noble

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, as part of ethical teaching)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Sat (the virtuous)

Tags

• Dharma
• Sadācāra
• Rajadharma
• Forbearance
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it teaches social-ethical dharma: how noble conduct naturally brings honor and protection from the virtuous.

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

It promotes the Rajadharma ideal: a leader or householder should cultivate sādhācāra—steady righteousness and forbearance—so that the community of the good supports and safeguards him, even when he receives stern correction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is mentioned; the significance is ethical—self-discipline (satāṁ vṛtta) and tolerance (titikṣā) as a foundation for orderly society.