Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

ययातिर्देवयान्यां तु पुत्राव् अजनयन्नृपः यदुं च तुर्वसुं चैव शक्रविष्णू इवापरौ //

Transliteration

yayātirdevayānyāṃ tu putrāv ajanayannṛpaḥ yaduṃ ca turvasuṃ caiva śakraviṣṇū ivāparau //

Translation

King Yayāti, through Devayānī, begot two sons—Yadu and Turvasu—who were like Indra and Viṣṇu in their prowess, as it were, in another form.

Word by Word

• ययातिः (yayātiḥ): King Yayāti

• देवयान्याम् (devayānyām): in/through Devayānī

• तु (tu): indeed

• पुत्रौ (putrau): two sons

• अजनयत् (ajanayat): begot/produced

• नृपः (nṛpaḥ): the king

• यदुम् (yadum): Yadu

• च (ca): and

• तुर्वसुम् (turvasum): Turvasu

• चैव (caiva): and also

• शक्रविष्णू (śakra-viṣṇū): Indra and Viṣṇu

• इव (iva): like/as

• अपरौ (aparau): the other two/another pair (as if incarnate again).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Yayāti
• Devayānī
• Yadu
• Turvasu
• Śakra (Indra)
• Viṣṇu

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Lunar Dynasty
• Royal Lineage
• Puranic History

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it preserves post-creation social memory through royal genealogy, showing how lineages continue and structure dharma after cosmic cycles.

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

By portraying Yayāti as a progenitor of illustrious heirs, the verse reflects the kingly duty of ensuring lawful succession and stability of the realm through righteous lineage and capable offspring.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated directly; the significance is genealogical—useful for situating later temple patrons and dynastic contexts often referenced in Matsya Purana’s broader dharma and cultural material.