Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

*देवयान्युवाच मदधीना सती कस्माद् अकार्षीर्विप्रियं मम तमेवासुरधर्मं त्वम् आस्थिता न बिभेषि किम् //

Transliteration

*devayānyuvāca madadhīnā satī kasmād akārṣīrvipriyaṃ mama tamevāsuradharmaṃ tvam āsthitā na bibheṣi kim //

Translation

Devayānī said: “Though you live under my authority, why have you done what is displeasing to me? You have taken to that very ‘Asura-way’—are you not afraid?”

Word by Word

• devayānī uvāca: Devayānī said

• mad-adhīnā: dependent on me/under my control

• satī: being/while being (so)

• kasmāt: why

• akārṣīḥ: you did (2nd sg. perfect/aorist sense)

• vipriyam: displeasing/offensive act

• mama: to me/of me

• tam eva: that very (same)

• asura-dharmam: the conduct/way attributed to Asuras (impious/insolent behavior)

• tvam: you

• āsthitā: having adopted/standing in

• na: not

• bibheṣi: you fear/are afraid

• kim: (question particle) indeed/then?

Speaker

• Devayānī

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Asura-dharma

Tags

• Genealogy
• Yayati
• Ethics
• Dharma
• Dialogue

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya or cosmology; it is part of a moral-social dialogue within a genealogical/Itihāsa episode.

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

It highlights norms of conduct and hierarchy—warning against acting offensively toward one’s superior and against adopting ‘adharmic’ behavior, themes that the Purāṇa applies broadly to social and household ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, iconography, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it is focused on interpersonal conduct and moral reproach.