Matsya Purana — Manvantaras, Shloka 48

Devanagari script

आत्मार्थे वा परार्थे वा इन्द्रियाणीह यस्य वै विषये न प्रवर्तन्ते दमस्यैतत्तु लक्षणम् //

Transliteration

ātmārthe vā parārthe vā indriyāṇīha yasya vai viṣaye na pravartante damasyaitattu lakṣaṇam //

Translation

स्वतःच्या हितासाठी असो वा परहितासाठी—ज्याच्या इंद्रिया येथे विषयांकडे धावत नाहीत, हेच ‘दम’ (इंद्रियनिग्रह) याचे लक्षण आहे.

Word by Word

• आत्मार्थे: for one’s own purpose/benefit

• वा: or

• परार्थे: for another’s purpose/benefit

• वा: or

• इन्द्रियाणि: the senses

• इह: here (in this world/discipline)

• यस्य: of whom/whose

• वै: indeed

• विषये: toward objects of sense

• न: not

• प्रवर्तन्ते: proceed/engage/rush forth

• दमस्य: of dama (sense-control)

• एतत्: this

• तु: indeed/but

• लक्षणम्: characteristic/mark

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within a dharma-teaching frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Indriyas (the senses)
• Dama (self-restraint)

Tags

• Dharma
• Self-control
• Rajadharma
• Ethics
• Sadhana

FAQs

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

Nothing directly about pralaya is stated here; the verse focuses on ethical discipline—defining dama as the senses not moving toward objects, regardless of personal or altruistic motive.

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

It frames self-mastery as foundational: a king or householder should not let the senses chase pleasures even under the pretext of “for my benefit” or “for others’ benefit,” since stable governance and righteous living depend on restraint.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu/temple or ritual procedure is mentioned; the takeaway is inner qualification—self-control—often treated in the Purana as a prerequisite for successful vows, worship, and righteous action.