Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines

Devanagari script

गन्धारपुत्रो धर्मस्तु घृतस्तस्यात्मजो ऽभवत् घृताच्च विदुषो जज्ञे प्रचेतास्तस्य चात्मजः //

Transliteration

gandhāraputro dharmastu ghṛtastasyātmajo 'bhavat ghṛtācca viduṣo jajñe pracetāstasya cātmajaḥ //

Translation

From Gandhāra was born Dharma; his son was Ghṛta. From the wise Ghṛta was born Pracetā, who in turn was Ghṛta’s son.

Word by Word

• गन्धार-पुत्रः (gandhāra-putraḥ): son/descendant of Gandhāra

• धर्मः (dharmaḥ): Dharma (a personified ancestor)

• तु (tu): indeed/and

• घृतः (ghṛtaḥ): Ghṛta (a proper name)

• तस्य (tasya): of him

• आत्मजः (ātmajaḥ): son

• अभवत् (abhavat): became/was born

• घृतात् (ghṛtāt): from Ghṛta

• च (ca): and

• विदुषः (viduṣaḥ): of the wise/learned one

• जज्ञे (jajñe): was born

• प्रचेताः (pracetāḥ): Pracetā (proper name)

• तस्य (tasya): of him

• च (ca): and

• आत्मजः (ātmajaḥ): son

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating lineage to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Gandhāra
• Dharma
• Ghṛta
• Pracetā

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Vamsha
• Puranic history
• Lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it preserves a genealogical succession (Gandhāra → Dharma → Ghṛta → Pracetā), which is typical of the Purāṇic method of anchoring history through lineages.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that dharma and social order are transmitted through disciplined family lines; such lineage-records legitimize kingship and emphasize continuity of righteous conduct across generations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-rule, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its function is genealogical documentation rather than architectural or liturgical instruction.