Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Yayāti’s Rule

Devanagari script

यथाकामं यथोत्साहं यथाकालं यथासुखम् धर्माविरुद्धान्राजेन्द्रो यथार्हति स एव हि //

Transliteration

yathākāmaṃ yathotsāhaṃ yathākālaṃ yathāsukham dharmāviruddhānrājendro yathārhati sa eva hi //

Translation

The best of kings should pursue (and grant) enjoyments as desired, as strength permits, at the proper time, and in a manner that brings ease—yet only those pleasures that do not conflict with dharma; for he alone truly deserves them.

Word by Word

• यथा-कामम्: according to desire/as one wishes

• यथा-उत्साहम्: according to one’s capacity/enthusiasm (energy)

• यथा-कालम्: at the proper time/season

• यथा-सुखम्: in a comfortable/pleasant manner

• धर्म-अविरुद्धान्: not opposed to dharma, dharma-consistent

• राजेन्द्रः: the foremost king, best of rulers

• यथा-अर्हति: as is fitting/as he deserves

• सः एव: he alone

• हि: indeed/for

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on rajadharma)

Entities Mentioned

• Rajendra (ideal king)
• Dharma

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Dharma
• Kingship
• Ethics
• Self-control

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on ethical governance, stating that royal enjoyment must remain within the bounds of dharma.

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

It teaches measured conduct: desires may be fulfilled, but only in proportion to one’s capacity, at appropriate times, and without violating dharma—an explicit standard for a king’s self-discipline and public example.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vastu or ritual rule is stated; the takeaway is a general dharmic constraint that would also govern royal patronage of rituals, charities, and temple works.