Shloka 62
Matsya Purana — Yadu Lineage
यज्ञे देवानथ गतं दितिजाः काव्यमाह्वयन् किं त्वं नो मिषतां राज्यं त्यक्त्वा यज्ञं पुनर्गतः //
yajñe devānatha gataṃ ditijāḥ kāvyamāhvayan kiṃ tvaṃ no miṣatāṃ rājyaṃ tyaktvā yajñaṃ punargataḥ //
When the gods had gone to the yajña (sacrifice), the Daityas invoked Kāvya (Śukrācārya): “How is it that, while we looked on, you abandoned the kingdom and have returned again to the sacrifice?”
FAQs
This verse does not address pralaya directly; it highlights inter-group conflict around a yajña, showing how cosmic order is defended through ritual even amid political contest.
It frames a tension between rājya (sovereignty) and yajña (ritual obligation): abandoning kingship for sacrifice (or returning to sacrifice after leaving rule) is treated as a consequential choice that invites scrutiny, underscoring that duty must be consistent and publicly accountable.
The ritual significance is central: the yajña is portrayed as a pivotal arena where divine order and political legitimacy are negotiated, and where rival parties seek advantage by invoking authoritative priestly guidance (Kāvya/Śukra).