Shloka 27

Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel

Devanagari script

आचख्यौ च महाभागा देवयानी वने हता शर्मिष्ठया महाप्राज्ञ दुहित्रा वृषपर्वणः //

Transliteration

ācakhyau ca mahābhāgā devayānī vane hatā śarmiṣṭhayā mahāprājña duhitrā vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ //

Translation

The noble lady reported: “O greatly wise one, Devayānī has been attacked in the forest by Śarmiṣṭhā, the daughter of Vṛṣaparvan.”

Word by Word

• ācakhyau: reported/told

• ca: and

• mahābhāgā: the noble/fortunate lady

• devayānī: Devayānī (name)

• vane: in the forest

• hatā: struck/assaulted (lit. ‘killed’, here ‘violently attacked’ by context)

• śarmiṣṭhayā: by Śarmiṣṭhā

• mahāprājña: O greatly wise one

• duhitrā: (the) daughter

• vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ: of Vṛṣaparvan

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narration within the Yayati episode; a report being conveyed to a ‘mahāprājña’ listener—commonly King Yayāti in this storyline)

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Śarmiṣṭhā
• Vṛṣaparvan

Tags

• Dynasties
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Yayati episode
• Conflict narrative
• Puranic storytelling

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to a dynastic-legend narrative describing interpersonal conflict involving Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā.

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

It frames a grievance being reported to a wise authority, implying the royal duty to hear complaints, investigate wrongdoing, and uphold justice and protection—especially for those harmed.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the verse is narrative, centered on an incident in the forest and its report to a ruler/wise person.