Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Code of Conduct and Vow-Procedure for Courtesans

Devanagari script

*इन्द्र उवाच वेश्याधर्मेण वर्तध्वम् अधुना नृपमन्दिरे भक्तिमत्यो वरारोहास् तथा देवकुलेषु च //

Transliteration

*indra uvāca veśyādharmeṇa vartadhvam adhunā nṛpamandire bhaktimatyo varārohās tathā devakuleṣu ca //

Translation

Indra said: “Now conduct yourselves in accordance with the dharma of courtesans, remaining devoted, within the king’s palace, and likewise within the precincts of the temples (devakula).”

Word by Word

• indraḥ: Indra

• uvāca: said

• veśyā-dharmeṇa: according to the conduct/duties of a courtesan

• vartadhvam: you all should behave/live

• adhunā: now/at present

• nṛpa-mandire: in the king’s palace

• bhakti-matyaḥ: endowed with devotion, devoted

• varārohāḥ: fair-limbed/beautiful women

• tathā: likewise

• deva-kuleṣu: in the houses/precincts of the gods, temples

• ca: and

Speaker

• Indra

Entities Mentioned

• Indra
• King (Nṛpa)
• Deva-kula (temples)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Social roles
• Temple service
• Royal court
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on prescribed social conduct and service roles within the royal palace and temple precincts.

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

It implies regulated order in the king’s domain: the palace and temples are to be maintained through defined roles and disciplined conduct, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) and propriety within royal and religious institutions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While no Vastu measurements are given, the verse distinguishes key institutional spaces—nṛpa-mandira (palace) and deva-kula (temple precincts)—highlighting that behavior and service are regulated according to the sanctity and function of these built environments.