Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Yayāti–Aṣṭaka Dialogue: Seniority

Devanagari script

भये न मुह्याम्यष्टकाहं कदाचित् संतापो मे मनसो नास्ति कश्चित् धाता यथा मां विदधाति लोके ध्रुवं तथाहं भवितेति मत्वा //

Transliteration

bhaye na muhyāmyaṣṭakāhaṃ kadācit saṃtāpo me manaso nāsti kaścit dhātā yathā māṃ vidadhāti loke dhruvaṃ tathāhaṃ bhaviteti matvā //

Translation

Even in fear I never lose my composure, O Aṣṭakā; no anguish arises in my mind. For I am convinced that, in this world, whatever the Ordainer (Dhātṛ) has appointed for me—surely that is what I shall become.

Word by Word

• bhaye: in fear

• na: not

• muhyāmi: I become deluded / lose composure

• aṣṭakā: O Aṣṭakā (vocative)

• aham: I

• kadācit: at any time

• saṃtāpaḥ: anguish / distress

• me: my

• manasaḥ: of the mind

• na asti: is not

• kaścit: any

• dhātā: the Ordainer / Creator (Dhātṛ)

• yathā: as

• mām: me

• vidadhāti: arranges / appoints / ordains

• loke: in the world

• dhruvam: certainly / surely

• tathā: thus / accordingly

• aham: I

• bhavitā: will become

• iti: thus

• matvā: having thought / considering

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (addressing Aṣṭakā in the narrative frame during the Pralaya-themed discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhātṛ (the Ordainer/Creator, often understood as Brahmā or the divine ordaining principle)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Manu
• Dharma
• Stoicism
• Daiva (Destiny)

FAQs

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

It highlights the Pralaya-era ethic of inner steadiness: even when cosmic conditions are unstable, one should remain composed, trusting the divine ordainer (Dhātṛ) whose decree governs outcomes.

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

It teaches rājanīti and gṛhastha-dharma at the psychological level: a ruler or householder should not panic in crisis, but act with clarity, accepting that results are ultimately shaped by daiva while one maintains disciplined conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the takeaway is the mental discipline expected of a ritual performer or patron—steadfastness and trust in cosmic order—often treated as a prerequisite for successful rites and dharmic projects.