Shloka 23

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

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मचर्यं चरिष्यामि त्वय्यहं परमं गुरो अनुमन्यस्व मां ब्रह्मन् सहस्रपरिवत्सरान् //

Transliteration

brahmacaryaṃ cariṣyāmi tvayyahaṃ paramaṃ guro anumanyasva māṃ brahman sahasraparivatsarān //

Translation

O supreme Guru, I shall practise the highest brahmacarya in your presence. O Brahman, grant me permission to undertake it for a thousand years.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मचर्यं: the vow of celibate student-discipline

• चरिष्यामि: I shall practise/undertake

• त्वयि: in you/with you (in your presence/under your guidance)

• अहं: I

• परमं: supreme, highest

• गुरो: O guru/teacher

• अनुमन्यस्व: consent, permit

• मां: me

• ब्रह्मन्: O Brahman/O venerable sage

• सहस्र-परिवत्सरान्: for a thousand cycles of years (a thousand years)

Speaker

• A disciple/aspirant addressing his guru (contextually within Matsya Purana’s early didactic narrative; likely a rishi-disciple speaking to a Brahman teacher)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahman
• Guru
• Brahmacarya

Tags

• Dharma
• Brahmacarya
• Guru-Shishya
• Tapas
• Vedic discipline

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes long-term ascetic discipline (brahmacarya) and obedience to a guru—virtues that Purāṇas present as foundations for receiving higher cosmological teachings, including creation and dissolution.

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

It highlights restraint, consent of elders/teachers, and commitment to dharma—principles applicable to kingship and household life as self-control (indriya-nigraha) and adherence to legitimate authority before undertaking major vows or policies.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-rule is stated; ritually, the verse reflects the prerequisite of purity and disciplined vows before advanced rites, initiations, or extended sacrificial/ascetic observances.