Shloka 21

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

Devanagari script

स गत्वा त्वरितो राजन् देवैः सम्पूजितः कचः असुरेन्द्रपुरे शुक्रं प्रणम्येदमुवाच ह //

Transliteration

sa gatvā tvarito rājan devaiḥ sampūjitaḥ kacaḥ asurendrapure śukraṃ praṇamyedamuvāca ha //

Translation

Having gone there in haste, O King, Kaca—honoured by the gods—bowed to Śukra in the city of the lord of the Asuras, and then spoke these words.

Word by Word

• स (sa): he (Kaca)

• गत्वा (gatvā): having gone

• त्वरितः (tvaritaḥ): quickly, in haste

• राजन् (rājan): O King

• देवैः (devaiḥ): by the gods

• सम्पूजितः (sampūjitaḥ): honoured, duly worshipped

• कचः (kacaḥ): Kaca

• असुरेन्द्रपुरे (asurendrapure): in the city of the Asura-lord

• शुक्रम् (śukram): Śukra (Shukracharya)

• प्रणम्य (praṇamya): having bowed/saluted

• इदम् (idam): this

• उवाच (uvāca): said

• ह (ha): indeed/then (narrative particle).

Speaker

• Suta/Narrator addressing the King (rājan) while narrating Kaca’s actions

Entities Mentioned

• Kaca
• Shukra (Shukracharya)
• Devas (gods)
• Asura-lord (Asurendra)

Tags

• Devasura
• Kacha
• Shukra
• Guru-bhakti
• Initiation

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it is part of a Devasura narrative describing Kaca’s respectful approach to Śukra in the Asura capital.

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

It highlights dharmic conduct through humility and proper reverence: even when seeking a goal, one should approach teachers and elders with respectful salutations (praṇāma) and disciplined intent.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated; the ritual element is the act of praṇāma (formal salutation) to a revered teacher, signalling proper etiquette before requesting instruction.