Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः यदिदं भारतं वर्षं यस्मिन् स्वायम्भुवादयः चतुर्दशैव मनवः प्रजासर्गं ससर्जिरे //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ yadidaṃ bhārataṃ varṣaṃ yasmin svāyambhuvādayaḥ caturdaśaiva manavaḥ prajāsargaṃ sasarjire //

Translation

The sages said: “This land called Bhārata-varṣa—within it, beginning with Svāyambhuva, the fourteen Manus indeed brought forth the creation of progeny, the generations of beings.”

Word by Word

• ṛṣayaḥ: the sages

• ūcuḥ: said

• yat idam: this which (indeed)

• bhārataṃ varṣam: Bhārata-varṣa, the land of India (a cosmic-geographical region)

• yasmin: in which/wherein

• svāyambhuva-ādayaḥ: beginning with Svāyambhuva (Manu) and the others

• caturdaśa eva: exactly fourteen

• manavaḥ: Manus (progenitors and rulers of Manvantaras)

• prajā-sargam: the creation/emanation of creatures and progeny

• sasarjire: they created/they brought forth (generated).

Speaker

• The sages (Ṛṣis)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhārata-varṣa
• Svāyambhuva Manu
• Fourteen Manus (Caturdaśa Manavaḥ)

Tags

• Manvantaras
• Creation
• Genealogy
• Cosmic Geography
• Puranic Chronology

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights cyclical creation through the Manvantaras, stating that fourteen Manus (starting with Svāyambhuva) generate and regulate the unfolding of progeny within Bhārata-varṣa.

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

By foregrounding the Manus as archetypal lawgivers and progenitors, the verse implies that social order—lineage, governance, and dharma—flows from Manu-tradition, which kings uphold and householders sustain through righteous progeny and conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the significance is contextual—Bhārata-varṣa is presented as a sacred-geographical stage where Manu-based dharma (including rites and temple traditions described elsewhere in the Matsya Purana) is established across ages.