Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Yayāti–Aṣṭaka Dialogue: Seniority

Devanagari script

अभूद्धनं मे विपुलं महद्वै विचेष्टमानो ऽधिगन्ता तदस्मि एवं प्रधार्यात्महिते निविष्टो यो वर्तते स विजानाति धीरः //

Transliteration

abhūddhanaṃ me vipulaṃ mahadvai viceṣṭamāno 'dhigantā tadasmi evaṃ pradhāryātmahite niviṣṭo yo vartate sa vijānāti dhīraḥ //

Translation

Great and abundant wealth has become mine; through striving I have become one who attains it. Therefore, having reflected well, the steadfast person who abides in one’s own true welfare and acts accordingly—he alone is the wise one who truly understands.

Word by Word

• abhūt: has come to be/has arisen

• dhanam: wealth

• me: for me/mine

• vipulam: abundant

• mahat: great

• vai: indeed

• viceṣṭamānaḥ: striving/endeavouring

• adhigantā: an attainer/one who gains

• tad: that/therefore

• asmi: I am

• evaṃ: thus

• pradhārya: having reflected/considered carefully

• ātma-hite: in one’s own welfare (true good)

• niviṣṭaḥ: firmly settled/engaged

• yaḥ: who

• vartate: conducts oneself/acts

• saḥ: he

• vijānāti: knows/understands

• dhīraḥ: the steady, discerning wise person

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu in ethical discernment (nīti)

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Nīti
• Self-discipline
• Wisdom

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya directly; it emphasizes human effort, careful reflection, and steadfast conduct as marks of true wisdom.

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

It frames ideal governance and household life as grounded in deliberate judgment (pradhārya) and commitment to genuine welfare (ātma-hita), teaching that a ruler or householder should act steadily and thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is ethical—discernment and consistent action are the ‘measure’ of a dhīra (wise person).