Shloka 17

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

Devanagari script

नाभ्यनन्दत तान्राजा देवयान्यास् तदान्तिके रुदन्तस्ते ऽथ शर्मिष्ठाम् अभ्ययुर् बालकास्तदा //

Transliteration

nābhyanandata tānrājā devayānyās tadāntike rudantaste 'tha śarmiṣṭhām abhyayur bālakāstadā //

Translation

The king did not welcome them when they were near Devayānī. Then those boys, weeping, went to Śarmiṣṭhā.

Word by Word

• na: not

• abhyanandata: welcomed/received with approval

• tān: them

• rājā: the king

• devayānyāḥ: of/near Devayānī

• tadāntike: in her proximity/near her then

• rudantaḥ: crying/weeping

• te: they

• atha: then

• śarmiṣṭhām: to Śarmiṣṭhā

• abhyayuḥ: went/approached

• bālakāḥ: boys/children

• tadā: at that time

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Yayāti-Devayānī-Śarmiṣṭhā episode (narrative voice within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Śarmiṣṭhā
• the King (rājā)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal Court
• Yayati Episode
• Family Conflict

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it is part of a royal-legend narrative describing interpersonal and courtly reactions in the Devayānī–Śarmiṣṭhā episode.

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

It implies a standard of royal conduct: a king’s reception (or refusal to receive) shapes outcomes in the household and court; neglect or partiality can redirect loyalties and escalate domestic conflict.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-architecture, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it is a narrative detail within the dynasty/legend section.