Shloka 37

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

Devanagari script

*ययातिरुवाच अतृप्तो यौवनस्याहं देवयान्यां भृगूद्वह प्रसादं कुरु मे ब्रह्मञ् जरेयं मा विशेत माम् //

Transliteration

*yayātiruvāca atṛpto yauvanasyāhaṃ devayānyāṃ bhṛgūdvaha prasādaṃ kuru me brahmañ jareyaṃ mā viśeta mām //

Translation

Yayāti said: “I am not satisfied with youth, O Devayānī. O best of the Bhṛgus, O Brāhmaṇa—show me your favor; let old age not enter into me.”

Word by Word

• yayātiḥ: King Yayāti

• uvāca: said

• atṛptaḥ: unsated, not satisfied

• yauvanasya: of youth

• aham: I

• devayānyām: in/with Devayānī (addressing her in the context of desire/union)

• bhṛgūdvaha: O foremost of the Bhṛgus (epithet of a Bhṛgu-line sage)

• prasādam: grace, favor

• kuru: grant, bestow

• me: to me

• brahmañ: O Brahman (vocative, addressing a priest/sage)

• jarā: old age

• iyam (jareyam—intended sense): old age (as a state/affliction) / becoming aged

• mā: not

• viśeta: may it enter

• mām: into me

Speaker

• King Yayāti

Entities Mentioned

• Yayāti
• Devayānī
• Bhṛgu lineage (Bhṛgūdvaha)
• Brahman (a sage/priest addressed)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Desire
• Youth
• Karma
• Royal Legends

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on human desire and the wish to ward off old age, a moral-psychological theme within royal genealogy narratives.

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

It highlights a central Purāṇic warning: unchecked craving (especially for pleasure and youth) leads to bondage and ethical decline; kings and householders are urged toward restraint, right counsel, and dharmic living rather than chasing perpetual enjoyment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, iconographic, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it is a dialogue line from the Yayāti episode centered on aging, desire, and seeking a boon.