Shloka 2

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

Devanagari script

ततो ऽभिगम्य शर्मिष्ठां देवयान्यब्रवीदिदम् किमर्थं वृजिनं सुभ्रूः कृतं ते कामलुब्धया //

Transliteration

tato 'bhigamya śarmiṣṭhāṃ devayānyabravīdidam kimarthaṃ vṛjinaṃ subhrūḥ kṛtaṃ te kāmalubdhayā //

Translation

Then Devayānī approached Śarmiṣṭhā and said: “For what reason, O fair-browed one, have you committed this wrongdoing, driven by lust?”

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then

• abhigamya: having approached

• śarmiṣṭhām: (to) Śarmiṣṭhā

• devayānī: Devayānī

• abravīt: said

• idam: this

• kimartham: for what purpose/why

• vṛjinam: wrongdoing, sin, harm

• subhrūḥ: O fair-browed woman

• kṛtam: done/committed

• te: by you/your

• kāma-lubdhayā: by one greedy for desire, lust-driven

Speaker

• Devayani

Entities Mentioned

• Devayani
• Sharmishtha

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal Ethics
• Dharma
• Conflict

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is part of a dynastic narrative focused on interpersonal wrongdoing and moral accountability, not cosmic dissolution.

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

It frames a dharmic critique of acting from kāma (desire) and labels such conduct as vṛjina (wrongdoing), reinforcing the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders must restrain passion and avoid harm-causing actions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

None is stated in this verse; it is a dialogue line within the Yayāti-related episode rather than Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure.