Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

तस्मात्सान्त्वं सदा वाच्यं न वाच्यं परुषं क्वचित् पूज्यान्सम्पूजयेद् दद्यान् नाभिशापं कदाचन //

Transliteration

tasmātsāntvaṃ sadā vācyaṃ na vācyaṃ paruṣaṃ kvacit pūjyānsampūjayed dadyān nābhiśāpaṃ kadācana //

Translation

Therefore, one should always speak words of conciliation, and never speak harshly at any time. One should duly honor those who are worthy of honor, give charitably, and never utter a curse—ever.

Word by Word

• tasmāt: therefore

• sāntvam: conciliatory/soothing speech, gentle reassurance

• sadā: always

• vācyaṃ: should be spoken

• na: not

• vācyaṃ: should be spoken

• paruṣam: harsh/rough (speech)

• kvacit: at any time/anywhere

• pūjyān: those worthy of reverence

• sampūjayet: should honor properly

• dadyāt: should give (donate/offer)

• na: not

• abhiśāpam: a curse/imprecation

• kadācana: ever/at any time

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (context: dharma-niti teaching)

Tags

• Dharma
• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Ahimsa (speech)
• Dana (charity)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on ethical discipline—gentle speech, honoring the worthy, charity, and avoiding curses.

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

It outlines core rajadharma and grihastha-niti: a ruler/householder should maintain social harmony through conciliatory speech, refrain from verbal cruelty, respect elders and the virtuous, practice dana, and avoid destructive speech like cursing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vastu or temple-ritual rule appears here; the ritual takeaway is behavioral purity—speech ethics and honoring the worthy are treated as dharmic foundations that support all rites and social order.