Shloka 62

Matsya Purana — Genealogy from Budha to Purūravas and Yayāti; Raji’s war episode; the Paurava...

Devanagari script

यजतो दीर्घसत्त्रैर्मे शापाच्चोशनसो मुनेः कामार्थः परिहीनो मे ऽतृप्तो ऽहं तेन पुत्रकाः //

Transliteration

yajato dīrghasattrairme śāpāccośanaso muneḥ kāmārthaḥ parihīno me 'tṛpto 'haṃ tena putrakāḥ //

Translation

“Though I performed long sacrificial sessions, by the curse of the sage Uśanas my capacity for desire and its fulfilment was taken away. I remained unsatisfied; therefore, my sons—(listen).”

Word by Word

• yajataḥ: while sacrificing/performing worship

• dīrgha-sattraiḥ: with long sattra-sacrifices (extended sacrificial sessions)

• me: for me/of mine

• śāpāt: due to a curse

• ca: and

• uśanasaḥ muneḥ: of the sage Uśanas (Śukra)

• kāma-arthaḥ: desire and its attainment/pleasure (the aim of kāma)

• parihīnaḥ: deprived/stripped away

• me: from me/for me

• atṛptaḥ: unsatisfied/unfulfilled

• aham: I

• tena: therefore/for that reason

• putrakāḥ: O sons/dear sons (address).

Speaker

• A king/ancestor in the dynastic narrative (commonly identified with Yayāti in this episode), recounting his condition to his sons

Entities Mentioned

• Uśanas (Śukra)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Curse
• Kama
• Sacrifice
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on a moral-psychological theme: how even extensive sacrificial rites can be overshadowed by a sage’s curse affecting human desire and satisfaction.

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

It implies that ritual merit alone does not guarantee inner fulfilment; a king/householder must govern desire (kāma) ethically and recognize that dissatisfaction can persist, shaping responsibilities toward family and succession.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual term “dīrgha-sattra” indicates prolonged sacrificial sessions, highlighting the Matsya Purana’s broader ritual culture—yet the verse stresses their limitation when countered by adharmic consequences or a powerful curse.