Shloka 46

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

Devanagari script

प्राचीनबर्हिर् भगवान् महान् आसीत् प्रजापतिः हविर्धानाः प्रजास् तेन बहवः सम्प्रवर्तिताः //

Transliteration

prācīnabarhir bhagavān mahān āsīt prajāpatiḥ havirdhānāḥ prajās tena bahavaḥ sampravartitāḥ //

Translation

The venerable and great Prācīnabarhi was a Prajāpati; through him many progenies—known as the Havirdhānas—were set into fruitful continuation and expansion.

Word by Word

• prācīnabarhiḥ: Prācīnabarhi (a proper name, ancient ritualist-king)

• bhagavān: venerable, illustrious

• mahān: great

• āsīt: was

• prajāpatiḥ: lord of creatures/progenitor

• havirdhānāḥ: Havirdhānas (a class/line of progeny associated with oblation/ritual)

• prajāḥ: beings, offspring, subjects

• tena: by him/through him

• bahavaḥ: many

• sampravartitāḥ: were set in motion, brought forth, propagated

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating genealogical tradition to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Prācīnabarhi
• Prajāpati
• Havirdhānas

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Prajapatis
• Creation
• Ritual

FAQs

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

It focuses on creation-through-lineage: a Prajāpati (Prācīnabarhi) generates and propagates progeny (Havirdhānas), emphasizing orderly expansion of beings rather than dissolution.

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

By presenting Prācīnabarhi as a Prajāpati tied to sacrificial continuity (havis), the verse implies that rulership and household life are upheld through dharmic propagation—maintaining lineage, social order, and ritual responsibility.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key ritual cue is “Havirdhāna,” linked to havis (offerings): it highlights the Purāṇic ideal that progeny and prosperity are sustained through yajña-oriented discipline, even though no direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated in this verse.