Matsya Purana — The Dialogue of Kacha and Devayani: Dharma, Shloka 8

Devanagari script

यथा मम गुरुर्नित्यं मान्यः शुक्रः पिता तव देवयानि तथैव त्वं नैवं मां वक्तुमर्हसि //

Transliteration

yathā mama gururnityaṃ mānyaḥ śukraḥ pitā tava devayāni tathaiva tvaṃ naivaṃ māṃ vaktumarhasi //

Translation

Ô Devayānī, de même que ton père Śukra est à jamais digne d’honneur en tant que mon guru, de même toi aussi tu dois respecter ce lien et tu ne dois pas me parler ainsi.

Word by Word

• yathā: just as

• mama: my

• guruḥ: teacher, preceptor

• nityam: always

• mānyaḥ: worthy of honor, venerable

• śukraḥ: Śukra (Śukrācārya)

• pitā: father

• tava: your

• devayāni: O Devayānī

• tathā eva: in the same way, likewise

• tvam: you

• na evam: not like this, not in this way

• mām: to me

• vaktum: to speak

• arhasi: you are fit/you ought (to do).

Speaker

• Kaca (student associated with Śukra’s āśrama narrative)

Entities Mentioned

• Śukra (Śukrācārya)
• Devayānī

Tags

• Guru-shishya
• Dharma
• Speech-ethics
• Respect
• Genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it teaches interpersonal dharma—especially restraint in speech and reverence toward a guru through the guru’s family relationships.

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

It reinforces household and royal ethics: one should maintain respectful speech, honor teachers and elders, and uphold social bonds (guru–disciple obligations), which are core virtues for rulers and householders alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated here; the significance is ethical—proper conduct and respectful address within a sacred teacher-disciple framework.