Shloka 12

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

Devanagari script

ददर्श च तदा तत्र कुमारान्देवरूपिणः क्रीडमानान् तु विस्रब्धान् विस्मिता चेदमब्रवीत् //

Transliteration

dadarśa ca tadā tatra kumārāndevarūpiṇaḥ krīḍamānān tu visrabdhān vismitā cedamabravīt //

Translation

Then, there she saw youthful boys of divine appearance, playing about with complete ease and confidence; astonished, she spoke these words.

Word by Word

• ददर्श: saw

• च: and

• तदा: then

• तत्र: there

• कुमारान्: young boys/princes

• देवरूपिणः: having divine forms, godlike in appearance

• क्रीडमानान्: playing, sporting

• तु: indeed/but

• विस्रब्धान्: unafraid, at ease, trusting

• विस्मिता: astonished, amazed

• च: and

• इदम्: this

• अब्रवीत्: said, spoke

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator continuing the story; the astonished woman is about to speak)

Entities Mentioned

• Kumāras (divine-looking youths)

Tags

• Narrative
• Divine youths
• Wonder
• Dialogue setup
• Matsya Purana story flow

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it sets a narrative scene of a wondrous encounter, often a prelude in Purāṇas to revelation or instruction.

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

Indirectly, it models attentive observation and inquiry: astonishment leads to asking questions, a common Purāṇic device through which dharma (right conduct) and duties are later taught.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it functions as scene-setting rather than technical instruction.