Shloka 45

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

Devanagari script

यद्यदिच्छति विप्रेन्द्रस् तत्तत्कुर्याद्विलासिनी सर्वभावेन चात्मानम् अर्पयेत्स्मितभाषिणी //

Transliteration

yadyadicchati viprendras tattatkuryādvilāsinī sarvabhāvena cātmānam arpayetsmitabhāṣiṇī //

Translation

Whatever the foremost brāhmaṇa (her husband) may desire, the graceful wife should do just that; and with her whole being she should offer herself in devoted service, speaking with gentle, smiling words.

Word by Word

• yad-yad: whatever (each thing) that

• icchati: desires

• vipra-indraḥ: the best/foremost among brāhmaṇas (a term of honor, here the husband)

• tat-tat: that very thing

• kuryāt: should do/perform

• vilāsinī: a graceful/pleasant woman (refined wife)

• sarva-bhāvena: with the entire disposition/with complete sincerity

• ca: and

• ātmānam: herself (one’s person)

• arpayet: should offer/dedicate

• smita-bhāṣiṇī: one who speaks with a smile, gentle-spoken.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu the norms of household dharma)

Entities Mentioned

• Vipra (Brāhmaṇa)

Tags

• Dharma
• Grihastha
• Stri-dharma
• Household
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya or cosmology; it focuses on household ethics—specifically, harmonious conduct and devoted service within marriage.

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

It supports gṛhastha-nīti by prescribing courteous, responsive, and sincere conduct that maintains domestic order—an ethical foundation valued in the Matsya Purana’s broader dharma framework.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is ethical and interpersonal rather than architectural.