Shloka 10
Matsya Purana — Yayāti–Aṣṭaka Dialogue: Seniority
संस्वेदजा ह्य् अण्डजा ह्य् उद्भिदश्च सरीसृपाः कृमयो ऽप्य् अप्सु मत्स्याः तथाश्मानस्तृणकाष्ठं च सर्वं दिष्टक्षये स्वां प्रकृतिं भजन्ते //
saṃsvedajā hy aṇḍajā hy udbhidaśca sarīsṛpāḥ kṛmayo 'py apsu matsyāḥ tathāśmānastṛṇakāṣṭhaṃ ca sarvaṃ diṣṭakṣaye svāṃ prakṛtiṃ bhajante //
Beings born from sweat, those born from eggs, and those that sprout from the earth—reptiles, worms, and even fish that dwell in water—as well as stones, grass, and wood: all of it, when the allotted destiny is exhausted, returns to its own original nature.
FAQs
It states a pralaya principle: when the ordained span of existence (diṣṭa) is exhausted, all categories of life—and even inert matter like stone, grass, and wood—revert to their primordial state (prakṛti).
By emphasizing impermanence and the inevitability of dissolution, it supports the Matsya Purana’s ethical thrust: rulers and householders should govern and live with dharma, detachment, and preparedness for change, rather than clinging to transient conditions.
No direct Vastu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is philosophical—materials and forms are transient—often used to frame why sacred construction and rites aim at enduring merit (dharma) rather than merely perishable worldly results.