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
جب شکرآچاریہ نے دیویانی کا نکاح ناہُش کے بیٹے یَیاتی سے کیا اور شرمِشٹھا کو بھی ساتھ بھیجا، تو اس نے بادشاہ کو تنبیہ کی—“اے راجن، کبھی بھی شرمِشٹھا کو اپنے بستر پر نہ لٹانا۔”
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.