Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Inquiry into Yayāti’s Story and the Kacha–Devayānī Episode

Devanagari script

न हि वेद स तां विद्यां यां काव्यो वेद वीर्यवान् संजीवनीं ततो देवा विषादमगमन्परम् //

Transliteration

na hi veda sa tāṃ vidyāṃ yāṃ kāvyo veda vīryavān saṃjīvanīṃ tato devā viṣādamagamanparam //

Translation

For he did not know that knowledge which the mighty Kāvya (Śukrācārya) knew—the life-restoring Sañjīvanī. Therefore the gods fell into profound despondency.

Word by Word

• na: not

• hi: indeed/for

• veda: knows

• saḥ: he

• tāṃ: that

• vidyām: knowledge/science

• yām: which

• kāvyaḥ: Kāvya (Śukrācārya)

• veda: knows

• vīryavān: mighty/powerful

• saṃjīvanīm: Sanjīvanī (life-reviving lore)

• tataḥ: therefore/from that

• devāḥ: the gods

• viṣādam: sorrow/despair

• agaman: went/fell into

• param: great/utter

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) describing the situation in the Deva–Asura narrative context

Entities Mentioned

• Kāvya (Śukrācārya)
• Sanjīvanī Vidyā
• Devas

Tags

• Sanjivani
• Deva-Asura
• Puranic lore
• Mantra-vidya
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it highlights a different Purāṇic theme—esoteric knowledge (Sanjīvanī) that can restore life, affecting the balance of power among gods and their opponents.

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

Indirectly, it underscores a Matsya Purāṇa ethic: knowledge (vidyā) and capable counsel determine success more than force alone—an ideal relevant to kingship (seeking competent advisors) and household life (pursuing learning and right guidance in crisis).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is the prominence of mantra-vidyā—specialized sacred knowledge (like Sanjīvanī) that functions as a potent remedial practice within Purāṇic tradition.