Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Dānavas: Yama and Kubera Defeated; Kālanemi’s Māyā and the A..., Shloka 84

Devanagari script

वाक्येन तीक्ष्णरूपेण मर्मान्तरविसर्पिणा निर्बिभेदाभिजातस्य हृदयं दुर्जनो यथा //

Transliteration

vākyena tīkṣṇarūpeṇa marmāntaravisarpiṇā nirbibhedābhijātasya hṛdayaṃ durjano yathā //

Translation

മൂർച്ചയുള്ള രൂപമുള്ളതും മർമ്മസ്ഥാനങ്ങളിലേക്കു കയറിപ്പോകുന്നതുമായ വാക്കുകളാൽ ദുർജനൻ അഭിജാതന്റെ ഹൃദയം അങ്ങനെ കുത്തിത്തുറക്കും; ഉള്ളിൽ തന്നെ ശസ്ത്രം കുത്തിയതുപോലെ।

Word by Word

• वाक्येन: by speech/with words

• तीक्ष्ण-रूपेण: having a sharp form/harsh in expression

• मर्म-अन्तर-विसर्पिणा: creeping into the inner vital spots (marmas), penetrating sensitive points

• निर्बिभेद: pierced, wounded

• अभिजातस्य: of the well-born/noble person

• हृदयम्: the heart, inner mind

• दुर्जनः: a wicked person, malicious man

• यथा: just as, as if

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Tags

• Rajadharma
• Niti
• Speech
• Ethics
• Self-control

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it teaches ethical psychology—how cruel speech can penetrate and injure a person’s inner life like a hidden weapon.

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

It warns rulers and householders that governance and family life require restraint in speech: harsh, targeted words harm the virtuous and create enmity, undermining dharma and social harmony.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the significance is moral—speech should be non-injurious, since verbal cruelty is treated as a subtle form of violence.