Shloka 42

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

Devanagari script

*शुक्र उवाच बृहस्पतेः सुतः पुत्रि कचः प्रेतगतिं गतः विद्यया जीवितो ऽप्येवं हन्यते करवाणि किम् //

Transliteration

*śukra uvāca bṛhaspateḥ sutaḥ putri kacaḥ pretagatiṃ gataḥ vidyayā jīvito 'pyevaṃ hanyate karavāṇi kim //

Translation

Śukra said: “O daughter, Kaca—the son of Bṛhaspati—had gone to the state of the dead; yet by my knowledge he was restored to life. Even so, he is again being slain—what am I to do?”

Word by Word

• śukraḥ uvāca: Śukra said

• bṛhaspateḥ sutaḥ: the son of Bṛhaspati

• putri: O daughter

• kacaḥ: Kaca

• pretagatim gataḥ: having gone to the condition/path of the dead

• vidyayā: by knowledge (mantra-knowledge)

• jīvitaḥ api: even though brought to life / revived

• evaṃ: thus / even so

• hanyate: is killed / is being slain

• karavāṇi: shall I do?

• kim: what?

Speaker

• Śukra (Śukrācārya)

Entities Mentioned

• Śukra
• Bṛhaspati
• Kaca

Tags

• Sañjīvanī-vidyā
• Guru-śiṣya
• Deva–Asura conflict
• Death and revival
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on mortal death, revival through mantra-knowledge (vidyā), and the repeated violence surrounding Kaca.

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

Indirectly, it highlights a dharmic warning: even powerful knowledge used to restore life can be undermined by envy and factional conflict—rulers and householders should restrain violence, protect guests/students, and prevent cycles of retaliation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is mentioned; the technical focus is on vidyā/mantra power (revival knowledge) and its consequences in a narrative setting.