Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Yayati and Indra: Counsel on Forbearance and Right Speech

Devanagari script

नास्तीदृशं संवननं त्रिषु लोकेषु किंचन यथा मैत्री च लोकेषु दानं च मधुरा च वाक् //

Transliteration

nāstīdṛśaṃ saṃvananaṃ triṣu lokeṣu kiṃcana yathā maitrī ca lokeṣu dānaṃ ca madhurā ca vāk //

Translation

In the three worlds there is no means of winning hearts like these: friendship among people, the giving of gifts, and speech that is sweet.

Word by Word

• na asti: there is not

• īdṛśam: such (a thing)

• saṃvananam: conciliation, winning over, endearment

• triṣu: in the three

• lokeṣu: worlds (or among people)

• kiṃcana: anything whatsoever

• yathā: as, like

• maitrī: friendship, goodwill

• ca: and

• lokeṣu: in society/among people

• dānam: giving, charity

• ca: and

• madhurā: sweet, pleasing

• vāk: speech

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Friendship (Maitri)
• Dana (Charity)
• Madhura Vak (Sweet Speech)
• Tri-loka (Three Worlds)

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Sadachara
• Ethics
• Speech

FAQs

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

This verse is ethical rather than cosmological; it does not describe pralaya, but it preserves dharma—social harmony through friendship, charity, and sweet speech—which the Purana treats as vital across all ages and upheavals.

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

It recommends the classic tools of righteous governance and household conduct: build alliances through maitrī (goodwill), support subjects and dependents through dāna (generosity), and maintain order through madhura vāk (non-harsh, persuasive speech) rather than coercion.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or ritual procedure is stated; indirectly, the verse supports temple-building and ritual patronage through dāna (donations) and emphasizes the importance of courteous speech in priest–patron and community relations.