Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Śiva–Pārvatī Quarrel and Pārvatī’s Resolve for Austerity to Attain Gaurī-hood

Devanagari script

स्नेहेनाप्यवमानेन निन्दितेनैति विक्रियाम् तस्मान्न जातु रुष्टस्य नर्मस्पृष्टो जनः किल //

Transliteration

snehenāpyavamānena ninditenaiti vikriyām tasmānna jātu ruṣṭasya narmaspṛṣṭo janaḥ kila //

Translation

Even affectionate familiarity, when mixed with disrespect and blame, turns into distortion and harm. Therefore, one should never address an angry person with joking or playful speech—so it is said.

Word by Word

• snehenāpi: even through affection/familiarity

• avamānena: by disrespect/insult

• ninditena: by censure/blame

• eti: goes/comes to

• vikriyām: alteration, perversion, harmful change

• tasmāt: therefore

• na jātu: never at any time

• ruṣṭasya: of one who is angry/enraged

• narma-spṛṣṭaḥ: touched with jest, addressed playfully

• janaḥ: a person/people

• kila: indeed/it is said (traditional assertion).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s nīti/rajadharma discourse)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Speech ethics
• Anger management
• Social conduct

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it is a nīti teaching about how speech and familiarity can become harmful when mixed with insult, especially in the presence of anger.

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

It instructs restraint in speech: a king (or householder) should avoid humor or casual banter with someone who is enraged, because it can escalate conflict, damage relationships, and undermine authority and harmony.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is mentioned; the takeaway is ethical—maintain decorum and avoid jesting in tense situations to prevent social disorder.