Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 30
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
नाहुषाय सुतां दत्त्वा सह शर्मिष्ठयोशना । तमाह राजञ्छर्मिष्ठामाधास्तल्पे न कर्हिचित् ॥ ३० ॥
nāhuṣāya sutāṁ dattvā saha śarmiṣṭhayośanā tam āha rājañ charmiṣṭhām ādhās talpe na karhicit
Lorsque Śukrācārya donna Devayānī en mariage à Yayāti, fils de Nahūṣa, il fit partir Śarmiṣṭhā avec elle; mais il avertit le roi : « Ô roi, ne permets jamais à cette jeune fille Śarmiṣṭhā de s’étendre avec toi sur ton lit. »
FAQs
This verse shows that Yayāti was explicitly instructed by Śukrācārya to never accept Śarmiṣṭhā as a sexual partner, emphasizing dharma, restraint, and honoring agreed boundaries in marriage.
Because Devayānī was given in marriage with Śarmiṣṭhā accompanying her only as an attendant; Śukrācārya set a clear condition to protect Devayānī’s rights and to ensure Yayāti followed dharma and the guru’s instruction.
Keep commitments, respect relationship boundaries, and treat ethical instructions from elders/mentors seriously—self-control and integrity prevent long-term suffering.