Shloka 2

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

Devanagari script

अन्यद्ययातिचरितं सूत विस्तरतो वद यस्मात्तत्पुण्यमायुष्यम् अभिनन्द्यं सुरैरपि //

Transliteration

anyadyayāticaritaṃ sūta vistarato vada yasmāttatpuṇyamāyuṣyam abhinandyaṃ surairapi //

Translation

Now, O Sūta, recount in full detail the story of Yayāti; for that narrative is meritorious, life-enhancing, and praised even by the gods.

Word by Word

• अन्यत्: now/next

• ययाति-चरितम्: the deeds/story of King Yayāti

• सूत: O Sūta (charioteer-bard/narrator)

• विस्तरतः: in detail, elaborately

• वद: tell, narrate

• यस्मात्: because/for

• तत्: that (account)

• पुण्यम्: meritorious, virtuous

• आयुष्यं: promoting longevity/life-enhancing

• अभिनन्द्यम्: worthy of praise, commendable

• सुरैः अपि: even by the gods

Speaker

• A listener/sage addressing Sūta (narrator)

Entities Mentioned

• Yayāti
• Sūta
• Suras (Devas)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Itihasa
• Dharma
• Punya

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it introduces a dynastic narrative, emphasizing that hearing Yayāti’s account is spiritually meritorious and beneficial for longevity.

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

By requesting Yayāti’s life-story—classically used to illustrate desire, renunciation, duty, and the consequences of choices—the text signals that royal conduct and household ethics can be learned through exemplary lineage narratives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; its focus is the praise-worthy benefit (puṇya, āyuṣya) of listening to sacred historical narration.