Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Yuga Durations

Devanagari script

तत्र चार्थपराः सर्वे प्राणिनो रजसा हताः सर्वे नैष्कृतिकाः क्षुद्रा जायन्ते रविनन्दन //

Transliteration

tatra cārthaparāḥ sarve prāṇino rajasā hatāḥ sarve naiṣkṛtikāḥ kṣudrā jāyante ravinandana //

Translation

There, all living beings become wholly intent on material gain, struck down by passion (rajas). All are born petty and unscrupulous—O son of the Sun (Ravi).

Word by Word

• tatra: there/in that age

• ca: and

• artha-parāḥ: devoted to wealth/material ends

• sarve: all

• prāṇinaḥ: living beings/creatures

• rajasā: by rajas (passion, agitation)

• hatāḥ: smitten/overpowered

• sarve: all

• naiṣkṛtikāḥ: unscrupulous, lacking moral restraint (lit. devoid of right conduct)

• kṣudrāḥ: small-minded, base, petty

• jāyante: are born/come to be

• ravinandana: O descendant/son of Ravi (the Sun).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Ravi (Surya)

Tags

• Kali-yuga
• Dharma
• Moral decline
• Rajas
• Social ethics

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing cosmic dissolution; it describes moral and social degeneration in a later age, where beings become dominated by rajas and greed.

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

It warns that rajas-driven greed produces petty, unethical behavior; a king should restrain corruption and protect dharma, while a householder should curb passion, practice honesty, and keep wealth subordinate to righteous duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is ethical—purity of conduct is the foundation for any rite, donation, or temple-building merit in the Purana’s broader framework.