Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Yuga Durations

Devanagari script

द्वाभ्यामधर्मः पादाभ्यां त्रिभिर्धर्मो व्यवस्थितः यत्र सत्यं च सत्त्वं च त्रेताधर्मो विधीयते //

Transliteration

dvābhyāmadharmaḥ pādābhyāṃ tribhirdharmo vyavasthitaḥ yatra satyaṃ ca sattvaṃ ca tretādharmo vidhīyate //

Translation

In the Tretā age, adharma stands on two feet, while dharma is established on three. There, truthfulness and purity of being (sattva) prevail—thus the dharma of Tretā is ordained.

Word by Word

• dvābhyām: by two

• adharmaḥ: unrighteousness, adharma

• pādābhyām: with (two) feet, on two supports

• tribhiḥ: by three

• dharmaḥ: righteousness, dharma

• vyavasthitaḥ: firmly established, set in place

• yatra: where, in which (age)

• satyam: truth, truthfulness

• ca: and

• sattvam: sattva, purity/goodness/clarity

• ca: and

• tretā-dharmaḥ: the dharma of the Tretā-yuga

• vidhīyate: is laid down, is ordained, is prescribed.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dharma
• Adharma
• Tretā-yuga
• Satya
• Sattva

Tags

• Yuga-Dharma
• Ethics
• Dharma
• Tretā-yuga
• Truthfulness

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; instead, it outlines cosmic moral order across ages, showing how dharma declines by “legs/feet” as yugas progress—an ethical framework often paired with larger cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

By highlighting satya (truthfulness) and sattva (purity/clarity) as defining features of Tretā-dharma, it implies that rulers and householders should uphold truthful speech, clean conduct, and sattvic governance to stabilize dharma in society.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the takeaway is indirect—ritual and sacred building are ideally grounded in satya and sattva, since purity and truth are presented as supports that keep dharma “standing.”