Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Yuga Durations

Devanagari script

एतत्कार्तयुगं वृत्तं सर्वेषामपि पार्थिव प्राणिनां धर्मसङ्गानाम् अपि वै नीचजन्मनाम् //

Transliteration

etatkārtayugaṃ vṛttaṃ sarveṣāmapi pārthiva prāṇināṃ dharmasaṅgānām api vai nīcajanmanām //

Translation

O king, such was the conduct of the Kṛta (Satya) Yuga: for all living beings—indeed even for those of low birth—there was association with Dharma (righteousness) and adherence to it.

Word by Word

• etat: this

• kṛtayugam: the Kṛta/Satya Yuga

• vṛttam: conduct, mode of living, established practice

• sarveṣām api: of all, indeed

• pārthiva: O king (earth-ruler)

• prāṇinām: of living beings

• dharma-saṅgānām: those connected with/attached to Dharma, in the company of Dharma

• api vai: even indeed

• nīca-janmanām: of those born in a low (humble) condition

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Kṛtayuga (Satya Yuga)
• Dharma

Tags

• Yuga Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Satya Yuga
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights the moral climate of the Kṛta Yuga, where Dharma pervaded society universally.

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

By addressing the ruler (“pārthiva”), the text implies that a king should cultivate conditions where Dharma becomes universal—so strong that even the socially marginalized naturally live righteously.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu, temple, or ritual procedure is stated here; the takeaway is ethical: a dharmic age is defined by pervasive righteousness rather than technical rites.