Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines

Devanagari script

महायोगी तु स बलिर् बद्धो बन्धैर्महात्मना पुत्रानुत्पादयामास क्षेत्रजान्पञ्च पार्थिवान् //

Transliteration

mahāyogī tu sa balir baddho bandhairmahātmanā putrānutpādayāmāsa kṣetrajānpañca pārthivān //

Translation

That Bali, a great yogin, though bound by the bonds laid upon him by the noble one, nevertheless caused five sons to be born—sons begotten through the kṣetra-method—who became kings upon the earth.

Word by Word

• mahāyogī: great yogin/adept in yoga

• tu: indeed/however

• saḥ: he

• baliḥ: (King) Bali

• baddhaḥ: bound/restrained

• bandhaiḥ: by bonds/fetters

• mahātmanā: by the great-souled one (the noble person)

• putrān: sons

• utpādayāmāsa: caused to be produced/begot

• kṣetrajān: field-born sons, i.e., begotten through kṣetra (appointed procreation/niyoga-type lineage continuation)

• pañca: five

• pārthivān: earthly kings/rulers

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bali

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Kingship
• Yoga
• Lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it focuses on dynastic continuity—how Bali’s lineage continues through five kṣetrajā sons despite his being restrained.

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

It highlights the dharmic priority of preserving lineage and social order: even under constraint, a ruler’s line is continued through an accepted procreative/legal mechanism (kṣetra), ensuring succession and stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple, or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; the technical term here is social-legal—kṣetrajā (field-born sons)—rather than architectural.