Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel

Devanagari script

गते तु नाहुषे तस्मिन् देवयान्यपि निन्दिता उवाच शोकसंतप्ता घूर्णिकामागतां पुनः //

Transliteration

gate tu nāhuṣe tasmin devayānyapi ninditā uvāca śokasaṃtaptā ghūrṇikāmāgatāṃ punaḥ //

Translation

But when that Nahusha had departed, Devayānī too—having been reproached—spoke again, scorched by grief, to Ghūrṇikā who had come back once more.

Word by Word

• गते: when (he) had gone/departed

• तु: but/then

• नाहुषे: (in/with regard to) Nahusha

• तस्मिन्: that (person/situation)

• देवयानी: Devayānī

• अपि: also/even

• निन्दिता: censured/reproached

• उवाच: said/spoke

• शोक-संतप्ता: afflicted/burnt by sorrow

• घूर्णिकाम्: Ghūrṇikā (a woman addressed here)

• आगताम्: who had come/arrived

• पुनः: again/once more

Speaker

• Devayānī

Entities Mentioned

• Nahusha
• Devayānī
• Ghūrṇikā

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Yayati episode
• Royal ethics
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the dynastic narrative, highlighting interpersonal blame and grief after Nahusha’s departure.

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

Indirectly, it underscores how royal or household actions generate public reproach and personal sorrow—an ethical warning that reputation (nindā) and grief follow misconduct or failed duty in lineage narratives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it functions as narrative continuity within the Nahusha–Devayānī episode.