Shloka 18

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

Devanagari script

दृष्ट्वा तेषां तु बालानां प्रणयं पार्थिवं प्रति बुद्ध्वा च तत्त्वतो देवी शर्मिष्ठामिदमब्रवीत् //

Transliteration

dṛṣṭvā teṣāṃ tu bālānāṃ praṇayaṃ pārthivaṃ prati buddhvā ca tattvato devī śarmiṣṭhāmidamabravīt //

Translation

Seeing the affection of those young maidens toward the king, and understanding the matter truly, the noble lady Śarmiṣṭhā spoke these words.

Word by Word

• दृष्ट्वा (dṛṣṭvā): having seen

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of those

• तु (tu): indeed

• बालानाम् (bālānām): of the young girls/maidens

• प्रणयम् (praṇayam): affection, attachment, love

• पार्थिवं (pārthivam): the king, the earthly ruler

• प्रति (prati): toward

• बुद्ध्वा (buddhvā): having understood

• च (ca): and

• तत्त्वतः (tattvataḥ): in truth, correctly, in essence

• देवी (devī): the noble lady/queen

• शर्मिष्ठा (śarmiṣṭhā): Śarmiṣṭhā (proper name)

• इदम् (idam): this

• अब्रवीत् (abravīt): said, spoke

Speaker

• Narrator (Sūta tradition within the Matsya Purana’s storytelling frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Śarmiṣṭhā
• Pārthiva (the King)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal court
• Ethics
• Yayati episode

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to a royal-lineage narrative, focusing on courtly relationships and the recognition of affection toward a king.

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

By highlighting the king as the object of affection and Śarmiṣṭhā’s discerning response, it frames royal conduct within social and moral scrutiny—suggesting that relationships around a ruler is a matter of truth (tattvataḥ) and ethical judgment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it is purely narrative and interpersonal in focus.