Shloka 19

Matsya Purana — Yayāti and the Kings’ Dialogue on Heavenly Worlds

Devanagari script

*ययातिरुवाच अददाद्देवयानाय यावद्वित्तमनिन्दितः उशीनरस्य पुत्रो ऽयं तस्माच्छ्रेष्ठो हि वः शिबिः //

Transliteration

*yayātiruvāca adadāddevayānāya yāvadvittamaninditaḥ uśīnarasya putro 'yaṃ tasmācchreṣṭho hi vaḥ śibiḥ //

Translation

Yayāti said: “This blameless one gave to Devayānī all the wealth he possessed. He is the son of Uśīnara; therefore, among you, Śibi is indeed the foremost.”

Word by Word

• ययातिः उवाच: Yayāti said

• अददात्: gave

• देवयानाय: to Devayānī

• यावत्-वित्तम्: as much wealth as (he had), all his possessions

• अनिन्दितः: blameless, beyond reproach

• उशीनरस्य: of Uśīnara

• पुत्रः: son

• अयम्: this (one)

• तस्मात्: therefore

• श्रेष्ठः: the best, foremost

• हि: indeed

• वः: among you / for you (all)

• शिबिः: Śibi

Speaker

• King Yayāti

Entities Mentioned

• Yayāti
• Devayānī
• Uśīnara
• Śibi

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Dana (Charity)
• Rajadharma
• Exemplary Kings

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is genealogical and ethical, praising Śibi’s generosity rather than describing pralaya or cosmology.

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

It highlights dāna (generosity) and spotless conduct as royal virtues: a ruler is considered “foremost” when he gives selflessly and remains anindita (beyond reproach).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-ritual rule is stated here; the verse serves as a moral benchmark within dynasty narratives rather than an architectural instruction.