Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Brahmā’s Four Faces

Devanagari script

ततः पुलहनामा वै ततः क्रतुर् अजायत प्रचेताश् च ततः पुत्रो वसिष्ठश् चाभवत् पुनः //

Transliteration

tataḥ pulahanāmā vai tataḥ kratur ajāyata pracetāś ca tataḥ putro vasiṣṭhaś cābhavat punaḥ //

Translation

Then Pulaha (by name) came forth; then Kratu was born; and then Pracetas; and again thereafter Vasiṣṭha too came into being as a son.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• pulaha-nāmā: named Pulaha

• vai: indeed

• tataḥ: then

• kratuḥ: Kratu (a sage)

• ajāyata: was born/came into existence

• pracetāḥ: Pracetas (a sage)

• ca: and

• tataḥ: then

• putraḥ: a son/offspring

• vasiṣṭhaḥ: Vasiṣṭha (the great sage)

• ca: and

• abhavat: became/came to be

• punaḥ: again/thereafter

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) summarizing the lineage (within the Matsya Purana’s creation/genealogy account)

Entities Mentioned

• Pulaha
• Kratu
• Pracetas
• Vasiṣṭha

Tags

• Creation
• Sages
• Genealogy
• Prajapatis
• Ancient Indian genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse is a creation-era genealogy: it lists sages (Pulaha, Kratu, Pracetas, Vasiṣṭha) as successive beings who “come into existence,” emphasizing emanation/manifestation rather than dissolution (pralaya).

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

Indirectly, it grounds later dharma teachings by establishing authoritative rishi lineages—figures like Vasiṣṭha become transmitters of dharma, royal counsel, and ritual norms that guide kingship and household rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-architecture rule appears in this verse; its ritual relevance is foundational—identifying major rishis who are traditionally linked with Vedic ritual transmission and priestly lineages.