Shloka 16

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

Devanagari script

शर्मिष्ठां मातरं चैव तस्या ऊचुः कुमारकाः *शौनक उवाच इत्युक्त्वा सहितास्तेन राजानम् उपचक्रमुः //

Transliteration

śarmiṣṭhāṃ mātaraṃ caiva tasyā ūcuḥ kumārakāḥ *śaunaka uvāca ityuktvā sahitāstena rājānam upacakramuḥ //

Translation

The young boys spoke to Śarmiṣṭhā and to her mother. Śaunaka said: Having thus spoken, they all went together and approached the king.

Word by Word

• शर्मिष्ठाम् (śarmiṣṭhām): Śarmiṣṭhā (proper name)

• मातरम् (mātaram): the mother

• च एव (caiva): and also

• तस्याः (tasyāḥ): of her

• ऊचुः (ūcuḥ): said, spoke

• कुमारकाः (kumārakāḥ): the boys, young lads

• शौनक उवाच (śaunaka uvāca): Śaunaka said

• इति उक्त्वा (ityuktvā): having said thus

• सहिताः (sahitāḥ): together, accompanied

• तेन (tena): by/with that (statement or person)

• राजानम् (rājānam): the king

• उपचक्रमुः (upacakramuḥ): approached, went up to.

Speaker

• Śaunaka (narrator aside / framing voice)

Entities Mentioned

• Śarmiṣṭhā
• Śaunaka
• the King (rājā)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal Court
• Narrative Frame
• Puranic Dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is a narrative transition describing how the boys, after speaking to Śarmiṣṭhā and her mother, proceed to approach the king.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the courtly process of petition and audience—approaching the king after reporting or stating a matter—hinting at the king’s role as the final arbiter and protector in social disputes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it functions as a narrative connector in the dynastic story.