Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Genealogy from Budha to Purūravas and Yayāti; Raji’s war episode; the Paurava...

Devanagari script

लक्ष्मीस्वयंवरं नाम भरतेन प्रवर्तितम् मेनकामुर्वशीं रम्भां नृत्यतेति तदादिशत् //

Transliteration

lakṣmīsvayaṃvaraṃ nāma bharatena pravartitam menakāmurvaśīṃ rambhāṃ nṛtyateti tadādiśat //

Translation

He then commanded that Menakā, Urvaśī, and Rambhā should perform the dance in the presentation called “Lakṣmī’s Svayaṃvara,” which had been instituted by Bharata.

Word by Word

• lakṣmī-svayaṃvaram: “Lakṣmī’s svayaṃvara” (a named dramatic/dance presentation)

• nāma: by name/known as

• bharatena: by Bharata

• pravartitam: set in motion/established/instituted

• menakām: Menakā (apsaras)

• urvaśīm: Urvaśī (apsaras)

• rambhām: Rambhā (apsaras)

• nṛtyatā/ nṛtyata iti: ‘let (them) dance’/‘they should dance’

• tat: that (performance)

• ādiśat: he आदेशित/commanded, directed

Speaker

• Narrator (Purāṇic narrator describing an आदेश/command; commonly framed through Sūta’s narration in Purāṇas)

Entities Mentioned

• Lakshmi
• Bharata
• Menaka
• Urvashi
• Rambha

Tags

• Nāṭya
• Apsaras
• Royal Culture
• Performing Arts
• Purāṇic Tradition

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya; it highlights cultural transmission—how named performances and dance traditions (nāṭya/nṛtya) are presented and formally directed.

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

It reflects royal/elite patronage and regulation of public culture: a ruler or patron is expected to support refined arts, appoint performers, and uphold established traditions (here, a production instituted by Bharata).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vāstu rule is stated, but the verse implies a structured performance setting (a staged presentation), which in temple/royal contexts connects to ritualized arts used in festivals and ceremonial assemblies.