Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines

Devanagari script

सेनस्य सुतपा जज्ञे सुतपस्तनयो बलिः जातो मानुषयोन्यां तु क्षीणे वंशे प्रजेच्छया //

Transliteration

senasya sutapā jajñe sutapastanayo baliḥ jāto mānuṣayonyāṃ tu kṣīṇe vaṃśe prajecchayā //

Translation

From Sena was born Sutapā; and from Sutapā was born Bali. When the royal line had dwindled, Bali was born into human birth through the will to obtain progeny for the continuation of the lineage.

Word by Word

• senasya: of Sena

• sutapā: Sutapā (proper name)

• jajñe: was born

• sutapas-tanayaḥ: the son of Sutapā

• baliḥ: Bali (proper name)

• jātaḥ: born

• mānuṣa-yonyām: in a human womb/among human birth

• tu: indeed/and

• kṣīṇe: when diminished, exhausted

• vaṃśe: the lineage/dynasty

• prajā-icchayā: by desire for offspring/progeny (for continuation of descendants)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating royal genealogy to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Sena
• Sutapā
• Bali

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal lineage
• Progeny
• Itihasa-Purana narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purana’s genealogical narration, emphasizing continuity of kingship even when a dynasty becomes depleted.

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

By stressing birth “for the sake of progeny” when the lineage is diminished, the verse reflects a Purāṇic value: sustaining family and social order (praja/vaṃśa continuity) is a key responsibility aligned with dharma for householders and rulers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; its focus is dynastic succession and the motivation of progeny to preserve a lineage.