Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 23
Yayāti, Devayānī, Śarmiṣṭhā, and the Exchange of Youth: The Unsatisfied Nature of Desire
ययातिरनभिप्रेतं दैवोपहृतमात्मन: । मनस्तु तद्गतं बुद्ध्वा प्रतिजग्राह तद्वच: ॥ २३ ॥
yayātir anabhipretaṁ daivopahṛtam ātmanaḥ manas tu tad-gataṁ buddhvā pratijagrāha tad-vacaḥ
Vì hôn sự ấy không được kinh điển chuẩn thuận, vua Yayāti không ưa; nhưng biết đó là sự sắp đặt của thiên ý và lòng bị cuốn hút bởi vẻ đẹp của Devayānī, ngài đã chấp nhận lời thỉnh cầu của nàng.
According to the Vedic system, the parents would consider the horoscopes of the boy and girl who were to be married. If according to astrological calculations the boy and girl were compatible in every respect, the match was called yoṭaka and the marriage would be accepted. Even fifty years ago, this system was current in Hindu society. Regardless of the affluence of the boy or the personal beauty of the girl, without this astrological compatibility the marriage would not take place. A person is born in one of three categories, known as deva-gaṇa, manuṣya-gaṇa and rakṣasa-gaṇa. In different parts of the universe there are demigods and demons, and in human society also some people resemble demigods whereas others resemble demons. If according to astrological calculations there was conflict between a godly and a demoniac nature, the marriage would not take place. Similarly, there were calculations of pratiloma and anuloma. The central idea is that if the boy and girl were on an equal level the marriage would be happy, whereas inequality would lead to unhappiness. Because care is no longer taken in marriage, we now find many divorces. Indeed, divorce has now become a common affair, although formerly one’s marriage would continue lifelong, and the affection between husband and wife was so great that the wife would voluntarily die when her husband died or would remain a faithful widow throughout her entire life. Now, of course, this is no longer possible, for human society has fallen to the level of animal society. Marriage now takes place simply by agreement. Dāmpatye ’bhirucir hetuḥ ( Bhāg. 12.2.3 ). The word abhiruci means “agreement.” If the boy and girl simply agree to marry, the marriage takes place. But when the Vedic system is not rigidly observed, marriage frequently ends in divorce.
FAQs
This verse shows that outcomes may come by providence even when one does not seek them, and wisdom lies in recognizing the higher arrangement and responding responsibly.
Yayāti understood that his son’s mind was firmly resolved, so he accepted his son’s statement and consented to the arrangement being discussed in the narrative.
When circumstances arise unexpectedly, assess the sincerity and intent involved, and act with responsibility rather than impulse—recognizing that not everything is fully under personal control.