Matsya Purana — Devayānī and Śarmiṣṭhā’s Quarrel, Shloka 9

Devanagari script

*शर्मिष्ठोवाच आसीनं च शयानं च पिता ते पितरं मम स्तौति पृच्छति चाभीक्ष्णं नीचस्थः सुविनीतवत् //

Transliteration

*śarmiṣṭhovāca āsīnaṃ ca śayānaṃ ca pitā te pitaraṃ mama stauti pṛcchati cābhīkṣṇaṃ nīcasthaḥ suvinītavat //

Translation

Śarmiṣṭhā dit : «Que ton père soit assis ou couché, mon père le loue sans cesse et s’enquiert souvent de lui, se tenant en un lieu plus bas, comme s’il était parfaitement bien élevé et humble.»

Word by Word

• शर्मिष्ठा उवाच: Śarmiṣṭhā said

• आसीनम्: (when) seated

• च: and

• शयानम्: (when) lying down/reclining

• च: and

• पिता ते: your father

• पितरम् मम: my father

• स्तौति: praises

• पृच्छति: asks/inquires (after his well-being)

• च: and

• आभीक्ष्णम्: repeatedly, again and again

• नीचस्थः: standing in a lower position/at a lower level (in deference)

• सुविनीतवत्: like one who is very disciplined/well-trained (i.e., respectfully).

Speaker

• Śarmiṣṭhā

Entities Mentioned

• Śarmiṣṭhā
• Devayānī (implied by address/context)
• Śukra (implied: Devayānī’s father)
• Vṛṣaparvan (implied: Śarmiṣṭhā’s father)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Court Etiquette
• Dharma
• Genealogy
• Yayati Episode

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on social hierarchy and respectful conduct within the Yayāti-related court narrative.

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

It highlights dharmic etiquette—showing deference, speaking respectfully, and inquiring after elders—values expected in royal courts and household life to preserve harmony and honor.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the key takeaway is behavioral discipline (vinaya) expressed through bodily posture and respectful address.