Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Yuga Durations

Devanagari script

विद्याद्द्वादशसाहस्रीं युगाख्यां पूर्वनिर्मिताम् एवं सहस्रपर्यन्तं तदहर्ब्राह्ममुच्यते //

Transliteration

vidyāddvādaśasāhasrīṃ yugākhyāṃ pūrvanirmitām evaṃ sahasraparyantaṃ tadaharbrāhmamucyate //

Translation

One should understand the Yuga—previously established—as consisting of twelve thousand (years, in divine reckoning). In this manner, up to a thousand (such Yugas), that total is called a ‘day of Brahmā’.

Word by Word

• vidyāt: one should know/understand

• dvādaśa-sāhasrīm: consisting of twelve thousand

• yuga-ākhyām: known/called ‘Yuga’

• pūrva-nirmitām: formerly fixed/previously established

• evam: thus/in this way

• sahasra-paryantam: extending up to a thousand

• tat: that

• ahar: day

• brāhmam: belonging to Brahmā (of Brahmā)

• ucyate: is said/is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmā
• Yuga

Tags

• Cosmology
• Yuga
• Kalpa
• Time-measurement
• Puranic chronology

FAQs

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

It defines Brahmā’s ‘day’ as a thousand Yuga-cycles; in Purāṇic cosmology, such vast time-units frame periodic creation and dissolution processes that occur on cosmic scales.

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

By teaching long-range cosmic time, it encourages rulers and householders to act with dharma and restraint, recognizing that power, wealth, and lifespan are brief within Brahmā’s immense cycles.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; indirectly, it supports ritual calendrics by grounding sacred observances in Purāṇic time-measures (yuga and larger cycles).