Shloka 35

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

Devanagari script

व्यक्तं हतो धृतो वापि कचस्तात भविष्यति तं विना नैव जीवामि वचः सत्यं ब्रवीम्यहम् //

Transliteration

vyaktaṃ hato dhṛto vāpi kacastāta bhaviṣyati taṃ vinā naiva jīvāmi vacaḥ satyaṃ bravīmyaham //

Translation

Surely, dear one, Kaca has either been killed or is being held captive. Without him I will not go on living—this I speak as the truth.

Word by Word

• vyaktam: surely, certainly

• hataḥ: slain, killed

• dhṛtaḥ: seized, detained, held captive

• vā api: or else, alternatively

• kacaḥ: Kaca (proper name)

• tāta: dear one/child (address)

• bhaviṣyati: must be/has likely become

• tam: him

• vinā: without

• na eva: not at all/never

• jīvāmi: I live/I will live

• vacaḥ: speech/words

• satyam: truth

• bravīmi: I speak/I declare

• aham: I

Speaker

• Likely Devayānī (speaking in grief about Kaca, addressing her father/elder)

Entities Mentioned

• Kaca

Tags

• Kacha
• Devayani
• Captivity
• Lament
• Vow

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is narrative and emotional, focusing on Kaca’s possible death or captivity rather than cosmic creation or pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it highlights truth-speaking (satyavacana) and the intensity of loyalty/attachment; in dharma literature such vows also caution rulers and householders to balance emotion with discernment and duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

None is stated in this verse; it belongs to a storyline segment rather than Vastu Shastra, temple rules, or ritual procedure.