Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel

Devanagari script

*देवयान्युवाच यो ऽसौ देवैर्हतान् दैत्यान् उत्थापयति विद्यया तस्य शुक्रस्य कन्याहं त्वं मां नूनं न बुध्यसे //

Transliteration

*devayānyuvāca yo 'sau devairhatān daityān utthāpayati vidyayā tasya śukrasya kanyāhaṃ tvaṃ māṃ nūnaṃ na budhyase //

Translation

Devayānī said: “He who, by his knowledge, revives the Daityas slain by the gods—of that Śukra I am the daughter. Surely you do not recognize me.”

Word by Word

• devayānī uvāca: Devayānī said

• yaḥ asau: he who indeed

• devaiḥ hatān: slain by the gods

• daityān: the Daityas (sons of Diti, demons)

• utthāpayati: raises up, revives

• vidyayā: by knowledge/occult science

• tasya: of him

• śukrasya: of Śukra (Śukrācārya)

• kanyā aham: I am the daughter

• tvam: you

• mām: me

• nūnam: surely

• na budhyase: do not understand/recognize

Speaker

• Devayānī

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Śukra (Śukrācārya)
• Daityas
• Devas

Tags

• Genealogy
• Lineage
• Asura–Deva conflict
• Sanjīvanī Vidyā
• Identity

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on lineage and the famed life-restoring knowledge (Sañjīvanī) attributed to Śukra in the Deva–Asura conflict.

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

Indirectly, it underscores the importance of knowing lineage, alliances, and social identity—practical concerns in royal diplomacy and household relations emphasized across Purāṇic ethical narratives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-ritual rule is stated here; the technical term is “vidyā” as occult knowledge—specifically the revival lore associated with Śukra.