Matsya Purana — Manvantaras, Shloka 51

Devanagari script

श्रुतिस्मृतिभ्यां विहितो धर्मो वर्णाश्रमात्मकः शिष्टाचारप्रवृद्धश्च धर्मो ऽयं साधुसंमतः //

Transliteration

śrutismṛtibhyāṃ vihito dharmo varṇāśramātmakaḥ śiṣṭācārapravṛddhaśca dharmo 'yaṃ sādhusaṃmataḥ //

Translation

ശ്രുതി-സ്മൃതികൾ വിധിച്ച ധർമ്മം വർണാശ്രമാത്മകമാണ്; ശിഷ്ടാചാരത്താൽ വളർന്ന ഈ ധർമ്മം സദ്ജനങ്ങൾ അംഗീകരിക്കുന്നു.

Word by Word

• śruti-smṛtibhyām: by Śruti and Smṛti (revelation and tradition)

• vihitaḥ: prescribed/ordained

• dharmaḥ: righteous law, duty, sacred order

• varṇa-āśrama-ātmakaḥ: having the nature of varṇa and āśrama (social and life-stage duties)

• śiṣṭa-ācāra: the conduct/custom of the learned and well-behaved

• pravṛddhaḥ: increased, reinforced, made firm

• ca: and

• dharmaḥ ayam: this dharma

• sādhu-saṃmataḥ: approved/accepted by the good and saintly

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śruti
• Smṛti
• Varṇa
• Āśrama
• Śiṣṭas
• Sādhus

Tags

• Dharma
• Varṇāśrama
• Sadācāra
• Śruti-Smṛti
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it defines how dharma is known—through Śruti, Smṛti, and the lived standards of the cultivated—rather than through cosmological events.

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

It sets the king’s and householder’s benchmark for right conduct: governance and daily duties should align with Śruti–Smṛti injunctions, be consistent with varṇāśrama obligations, and be guided by established śiṣṭa (exemplary) practice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No specific Vāstu or iconographic rule is stated; however, it implies that ritual and temple/house practices should follow Śruti–Smṛti prescriptions and validated śiṣṭa traditions when technical details are in doubt.