Shloka 17

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

Devanagari script

रक्षते दानवांस्तत्र न स रक्षत्यदानवान् तम् आराधयितुं शक्तो नान्यः कश्चिदृते त्वया //

Transliteration

rakṣate dānavāṃstatra na sa rakṣatyadānavān tam ārādhayituṃ śakto nānyaḥ kaścidṛte tvayā //

Translation

There he protects the Dānavas, but he does not protect those who are not Dānavas. None other than you is able to propitiate him and win his favor.

Word by Word

• rakṣate: protects

• dānavān: the Dānavas/demons (sons of Danu)

• tatra: there/in that matter

• na: not

• saḥ: he

• rakṣati: protects

• adānavān: non-Dānavas/those not of the Dānava faction

• tam: him

• ārādhayitum: to propitiate/to win over by worship

• śaktaḥ: able/capable

• na anyaḥ: no other

• kaścit: anyone

• ṛte: except/without

• tvayā: by you/than you

Speaker

• A petitioner addressing Vaivasvata Manu (courtly/devotional appeal within the Devāsura conflict narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Dānavas
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Devāsura
• Protection
• Royal Counsel
• Dharma
• Propitiation

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on selective protection in a conflict setting and the unique capacity of the addressed person to propitiate the protector.

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

It reflects a political-ethical theme: protection may be factional, and a capable leader (such as Manu in Purāṇic framing) is urged to negotiate/propitiate a powerful ally for broader security.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the idea of ārādhana (propitiation) as a means to secure protection or favor.