Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — Devayānī–Śarmiṣṭhā Dialogue: Yayāti’s Transgression

Devanagari script

ततः काले च कस्मिंश्चिद् देवयानी शुचिस्मिता ययातिसहिता राजञ् जगाम हरितं वनम् //

Transliteration

tataḥ kāle ca kasmiṃścid devayānī śucismitā yayātisahitā rājañ jagāma haritaṃ vanam //

Translation

Then, at a certain time, Devayānī—smiling with pure grace—together with Yayāti, O King, went to the green forest.

Word by Word

• ततः: then

• काले: at a time/season

• च: and

• कस्मिंश्चित्: at a certain (unspecified) time

• देवयानी: Devayānī

• शुचिस्मिता: one whose smile is pure/gentle

• ययाति-सहिता: accompanied by Yayāti

• राजन्: O King

• जगाम: went

• हरितं: green, verdant

• वनम्: forest

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu, addressing him as 'O King')

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Yayāti

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal narrative
• Forest episode
• Puranic storytelling

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is part of a dynastic narrative (Yayāti–Devayānī) and describes a journey to the forest, not cosmology or pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it frames royal life within dharmic storytelling: even kings and queens move through phases of life (courtly life, travel, forest sojourn), a common Purāṇic motif used to teach restraint, relationship ethics, and life-stage transitions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated; the only setting detail is the 'green forest,' serving as narrative context rather than technical instruction.