Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

*देवयान्युवाच कस्यैते दारका राजन् देवपुत्रोपमाः शुभाः वर्चसा रूपतश्चैव दृश्यन्ते सदृशास्तव //

Transliteration

*devayānyuvāca kasyaite dārakā rājan devaputropamāḥ śubhāḥ varcasā rūpataścaiva dṛśyante sadṛśāstava //

Translation

Devayānī said: “O King, whose are these boys—auspicious, like sons of the gods? In brilliance and in beauty they appear, and they seem to resemble you.”

Word by Word

• devayānī uvāca: Devayānī said

• kasya: of whom/whose

• ete: these

• dārakāḥ: boys/children

• rājan: O king

• devaputra-upamāḥ: comparable to the sons of the gods

• śubhāḥ: auspicious, splendid

• varcasā: by radiance/brilliance

• rūpataḥ: by form/beauty

• ca eva: and indeed

• dṛśyante: are seen/appear

• sadṛśāḥ: similar/resembling

• tava: to you/of you

Speaker

• Devayānī

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• King (Rājan)
• Devaputra (sons of the gods)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Royal narrative
• Dialogue
• Dynasties
• Character identification

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a courtly dialogue within a dynastic narrative, focusing on identifying the parentage of royal children.

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

It reflects the public visibility of lineage and responsibility: the children’s resemblance implies acknowledged paternity and the king’s duty to protect, educate, and uphold the succession and welfare of dependents.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is narrative—recognition of auspicious qualities and royal identity.