Shloka 39

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

Devanagari script

*ययातिरुवाच राज्यभाक् स भवेद्ब्रह्मन् पुण्यभाक्कीर्तिभाक्तथा यो दद्यान्मे वयः पुत्रस् तद्भवाननुमन्यताम् //

Transliteration

*yayātiruvāca rājyabhāk sa bhavedbrahman puṇyabhākkīrtibhāktathā yo dadyānme vayaḥ putras tadbhavānanumanyatām //

Translation

Yayāti said: “O Brāhmaṇa, that son who would grant me his youth would become a sharer in the kingdom, and likewise a recipient of merit and fame. May you consent to this.”

Word by Word

• yayātiḥ uvāca: Yayāti said

• rājyabhāk: a sharer/recipient of kingship

• sa: he

• bhavet: would become

• brahman: O Brāhmaṇa (venerable one)

• puṇyabhāk: a sharer in religious merit

• kīrtibhāk: a sharer in fame/glory

• tathā: likewise

• yaḥ: who

• dadyāt: would give

• me: to me

• vayaḥ: youth/prime of age

• putraḥ: son

• tat: that (proposal)

• bhavān: you (honored person)

• anumanyatām: please approve/consent.

Speaker

• King Yayāti

Entities Mentioned

• Yayāti
• Brāhmaṇa (addressed figure)
• Putra (son)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Kingship
• Dharma
• Merit and fame

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it belongs to a dynastic-ethical narrative where Yayāti proposes an exchange of youth and promises royal reward, merit, and fame.

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

It reflects a royal framework where kingship is tied to reputation (kīrti) and religious merit (puṇya), and where family duty and succession are negotiated through vows and consent—highlighting the ethical weight of requests made by a ruler within the household line.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it is focused on lineage ethics and the promised fruits of a son’s sacrifice.