Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel

Devanagari script

ततस्तयोर् मिथस्तत्र विरोधः समजायत देवयान्याश्च राजेन्द्र शर्मिष्ठायाश्च तत्कृते //

Transliteration

tatastayor mithastatra virodhaḥ samajāyata devayānyāśca rājendra śarmiṣṭhāyāśca tatkṛte //

Translation

Then, O king, a mutual quarrel arose there between the two—between Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā—on account of that very matter.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• tayoḥ: of the two (women)

• mithas: mutually/with each other

• tatra: there

• virodhaḥ: opposition/quarrel/conflict

• samajāyata: arose/came to be

• devayānyāḥ ca: and of Devayānī

• rājendra: O best of kings

• śarmiṣṭhāyāḥ ca: and of Śarmiṣṭhā

• tat-kṛte: because of that/on account of that cause

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the episode to the listening sages (frame narration); address 'rājendra' indicates a king is being addressed within the narrative

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Śarmiṣṭhā

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Yayati
• Conflict
• Courtly Ethics

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is part of the Yayāti-related dynasty narrative and focuses on interpersonal conflict, not cosmic creation or Pralaya.

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

By highlighting how rivalry and offense can escalate into open conflict, it indirectly supports the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should restrain anger, manage disputes quickly, and prevent private quarrels from becoming social or political crises.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it is a narrative transition describing the rise of a quarrel.