Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — Brahmā–Gāyatrī as a Divine Pair and the Early Genealogies of Creation

Devanagari script

उत्तानपादो ऽजनयत् सूनृतायां प्रजापतिः ध्रुवो वर्षसहस्राणि त्रीणि कृत्वा तपः पुरा //

Transliteration

uttānapādo 'janayat sūnṛtāyāṃ prajāpatiḥ dhruvo varṣasahasrāṇi trīṇi kṛtvā tapaḥ purā //

Translation

The Prajāpati Uttānapāda begot a son in Sūnṛtā; and Dhruva, in ancient times, performed austerity for three thousand years.

Word by Word

• uttānapādaḥ: Uttānapāda (a Prajāpati/king)

• ajanayat: begot, fathered

• sūnṛtāyām: in (the wife) Sūnṛtā

• prajāpatiḥ: Prajāpati, progenitor-lord

• dhruvaḥ: Dhruva

• varṣa-sahasrāṇi: thousands of years

• trīṇi: three

• kṛtvā: having done, having undertaken

• tapaḥ: austerity, penance

• purā: formerly, in ancient times

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue to Vaivasvata Manu, narrating genealogical tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Uttānapāda
• Sūnṛtā
• Dhruva
• Prajāpati

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Tapas
• Prajapati
• Dhruva

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it preserves genealogical memory by linking a Prajāpati (Uttānapāda) to Dhruva and highlighting tapas as a cosmic-moral force sustaining order.

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

It presents the royal line as grounded in dharma: progenitors maintain lineage responsibly, and exemplary figures like Dhruva embody self-discipline (tapas) as an ideal for rulers and householders alike.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is the emphasis on tapaḥ (austerity) as a recognized spiritual practice within Purāṇic tradition.