Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel

Devanagari script

तत्र वासो देवयान्याः शर्मिष्ठा जगृहे तदा व्यतिक्रममजानन्ती दुहिता वृषपर्वणः //

Transliteration

tatra vāso devayānyāḥ śarmiṣṭhā jagṛhe tadā vyatikramamajānantī duhitā vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ //

Translation

There, Śarmiṣṭhā—daughter of Vṛṣaparvan—took Devayānī’s garment at that time, not realizing that she was committing an offence (a transgression of propriety).

Word by Word

• tatra: there

• vāsaḥ: garment, clothing

• devayānyāḥ: of Devayānī

• śarmiṣṭhā: Śarmiṣṭhā

• jagṛhe: took, seized

• tadā: then, at that time

• vyatikramam: transgression, offence, breach of decorum

• ajānantī: not knowing, unaware

• duhitā: daughter

• vṛṣaparvaṇaḥ: of Vṛṣaparvan (name of the Asura king)

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the Yayāti narrative (as recounted within the Matsya Purāṇa’s dialogue framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Śarmiṣṭhā
• Vṛṣaparvan

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Yayati
• Dharma
• Etiquette

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Yayāti lineage narrative and highlights a social transgression that triggers later events in the dynastic story.

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

It underscores dharma as social propriety: even seemingly small acts (like taking another’s garment) can be a vyatikrama (breach) leading to conflict—an ethical reminder for householders and rulers to uphold restraint, respect, and proper conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse functions as narrative causality within the Yayāti episode rather than a technical injunction.