Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Yuga Durations

Devanagari script

तदा सत्यं च शौचं च धर्मश्चैव विवर्धते सद्भिराचरितं कर्म क्रियते ख्यायते च वै //

Transliteration

tadā satyaṃ ca śaucaṃ ca dharmaścaiva vivardhate sadbhirācaritaṃ karma kriyate khyāyate ca vai //

Translation

Then truthfulness and purity increase, and dharma flourishes as well; the deeds practiced by the virtuous are performed (by others) and indeed become widely renowned.

Word by Word

• tadā: then

• satyam: truth, truthfulness

• ca: and

• śaucam: purity, cleanliness (outer and inner)

• dharmaḥ: righteousness, sacred law

• eva: indeed

• vivardhate: grows, increases

• sadbhiḥ: by the good/virtuous

• ācaritam: practiced, observed (as conduct)

• karma: action, deed, religious duty

• kriyate: is done, is performed

• khyāyate: is proclaimed, becomes famous

• ca: and

• vai: indeed, certainly

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• satya
• śauca
• dharma
• sadācāra

Tags

• Dharma
• Sadachara
• Truth
• Purity
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it teaches moral causality—when the virtuous model truth and purity, dharma increases and becomes established in society.

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

It frames leadership and domestic life as exemplary: a king or householder should embody satya (truth) and śauca (purity), because public conduct imitates the ‘good,’ making dharma both practiced and socially celebrated.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific vāstu or temple rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is that śauca (purity) is a foundational prerequisite for dharmic action and for rites to be considered properly performed.