Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Śukra Warns Vṛṣaparvan: The Ripening of Adharma and Devayānī’s Demand for Śar...

Devanagari script

*देवयान्युवाच स्तुवतो दुहिता चाहं याचतः प्रतिगृह्णतः स्तूयमानस्य दुहिता कथं दासी भविष्यसि //

Transliteration

*devayānyuvāca stuvato duhitā cāhaṃ yācataḥ pratigṛhṇataḥ stūyamānasya duhitā kathaṃ dāsī bhaviṣyasi //

Translation

Devayānī said: “I am the daughter of one who is praised; and you are the daughter of one who begs and accepts. When I am the daughter of the praised, how could you become my maidservant?”

Word by Word

• devayānī uvāca: Devayānī said

• stuvataḥ: of one who praises / of one who eulogizes

• duhitā: daughter

• ca: and

• aham: I

• yācataḥ: of one who begs / entreats

• pratigṛhṇataḥ: of one who accepts (alms, gifts) / receives

• stūyamānasya: of one who is being praised

• duhitā: daughter

• katham: how

• dāsī: maidservant / female servant

• bhaviṣyasi: will you become

Speaker

• Devayānī

Entities Mentioned

• Devayānī
• Kavi/Uśanas (Śukrācārya)
• Kaca (implied by context of praise)
• Asura lineage (implied)
• Deva lineage (implied)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Royal narrative
• Pride
• Social status
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to a royal-genealogical narrative and focuses on interpersonal hierarchy, pride, and social standing.

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

It indirectly highlights a dharmic concern: arrogance based on birth/status can distort right conduct. In royal and household ethics, restraint in speech and humility are implied virtues, especially in disputes involving honor and service.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it is a dialogue line within the Yayāti–Devayānī narrative.