Shloka 11

Matsya Purana — The Dialogue of Kacha and Devayani: Dharma

Devanagari script

सौहार्दे चानुरागे च वेत्थ मे भक्तिमुत्तमाम् न मामर्हसि धर्मज्ञ त्यक्तुं भक्तामनागसम् //

Transliteration

sauhārde cānurāge ca vettha me bhaktimuttamām na māmarhasi dharmajña tyaktuṃ bhaktāmanāgasam //

Translation

You know my supreme devotion—born of friendship and loving attachment. Therefore, O knower of dharma, you should not abandon me, your devoted one who is without fault.

Word by Word

• सौहार्दे (sauhārde): in friendship, cordiality

• च (ca): and

• अनुरागे (anurāge): in affection, loving attachment

• च (ca): and

• वेत्थ (vettha): you know

• मे (me): my

• भक्तिम् (bhaktim): devotion

• उत्तमाम् (uttamām): highest, excellent

• न (na): not

• माम् (mām): me

• अर्हसि (arhasi): you ought, you are fit (to do)

• धर्मज्ञ (dharmajña): knower of dharma, righteous one

• त्यक्तुम् (tyaktum): to abandon

• भक्ताम् (bhaktām): (your) devotee

• अनागसम् (anāgasam): sinless, blameless.

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (addressing Lord Matsya/Vishnu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Lord Matsya
• Dharma

Tags

• Pralaya
• Bhakti
• Matsya-Avatara
• Dharma
• Manu

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it frames the Pralaya episode as a setting where Manu seeks divine protection: the emphasis is that the Lord, as dharmajña, does not forsake a blameless devotee even amid impending cosmic upheaval.

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

By invoking the ideal of a dharmajña protector, it mirrors rajadharma and gṛhastha ethics: the righteous should not abandon those who are loyal, innocent, and dependent—especially when trust and prior bonds (sauhārda, anurāga) exist.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is devotional ethics—faithful refuge (bhakti) and the duty of protection—often forming the moral basis for later ritual observances and vows in the Matsya Purana.