Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

शीलदाक्षिण्यमाधुर्यैर् आचारेण दमेन च देवयान्यां तु तुष्टायां विद्यां तां प्राप्स्यसि ध्रुवम् //

Transliteration

śīladākṣiṇyamādhuryair ācāreṇa damena ca devayānyāṃ tu tuṣṭāyāṃ vidyāṃ tāṃ prāpsyasi dhruvam //

Translation

By good character, gracious generosity, and gentle sweetness—by proper conduct and self-restraint as well—when Devayānī is pleased, you will surely attain that sacred knowledge.

Word by Word

• śīla: good character, moral conduct

• dākṣiṇya: kindness, generosity, graciousness

• mādhurya: gentleness, sweetness of speech and manner

• ācāreṇa: through proper conduct/discipline

• damena: through self-control, restraint of the senses

• ca: and

• devayānyām: in/with regard to Devayānī (when she is the object of service/propitiation)

• tu: indeed, then

• tuṣṭāyām: when (she is) satisfied/pleased

• vidyām: knowledge, sacred learning, spiritual science

• tām: that (knowledge)

• prāpsyasi: you will attain/obtain

• dhruvam: certainly, surely.

Speaker

• Likely the primary narrator (Sūta) quoting the teaching context; the verse itself is an instruction addressed to a seeker (disciple/aspirant) within the Matsya Purana’s didactic flow.

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī

Tags

• Dharma
• Ācāra
• Vidyā
• Self-control
• Ethics

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it teaches that ethical virtues—good character, gentle speech, proper conduct, and self-restraint—are prerequisites for gaining sacred knowledge.

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

It frames dharma as character-based: a king or householder should cultivate śīla (integrity), dākṣiṇya (benevolence), mādhurya (courteous speech), ācāra (disciplined conduct), and dama (self-control), because authority and learning become stable only when rooted in restraint and virtue.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is broader—inner discipline and right conduct are portrayed as the enabling conditions for receiving and retaining vidyā.