Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Account of the Manvantaras: Manus

Devanagari script

मन्वन्तरं चतुर्थं तु तामसं नाम विश्रुतम् कविः पृथुस् तथैवाग्निर् अकपिः कपिरेव च //

Transliteration

manvantaraṃ caturthaṃ tu tāmasaṃ nāma viśrutam kaviḥ pṛthus tathaivāgnir akapiḥ kapireva ca //

Translation

The fourth Manvantara is famed by the name Tāmasa. In it are mentioned Kavi, Pṛthu, Agni, Akapi, and also Kapi.

Word by Word

• manvantaram: a Manvantara (epoch ruled by a Manu)

• caturtham: the fourth

• tu: indeed/now

• tāmasam: Tāmasa (name of the Manvantara)

• nāma: by name

• viśrutam: well-known, renowned

• kaviḥ: Kavi (a proper name

• pṛthuḥ: Pṛthu (proper name)

• tathā eva: likewise/also

• agniḥ: Agni (the fire-deity

• akapiḥ: Akapi (proper name)

• kapiḥ eva ca: and Kapi as well (proper name).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Tāmasa Manvantara
• Kavi
• Pṛthu
• Agni
• Akapi
• Kapi

Tags

• Manvantaras
• CosmicCycles
• PuranicChronology
• Genealogy
• Creation

FAQs

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

It situates cosmic history within recurring Manvantaras; rather than describing Pralaya directly, it identifies the Tāmasa Manvantara as part of the larger cyclical model in which creations and dissolutions recur.

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

Indirectly: by anchoring dharma and lineage narratives in a specific Manvantara, it provides the chronological setting in which royal lines, sages, and divine administrations are described—background used elsewhere in the Matsya Purana to frame kingly conduct and social duties.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is chronological—naming the Tāmasa Manvantara and its associated figures, which later texts may connect to ritual lineages or presiding deities.