Shloka 3

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

Devanagari script

नाम यद्राजपुत्रीयं विश्रुतं गजवैद्यकम् राज्ञः सोमस्य पुत्रत्वाद् राजपुत्रो बुधः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

nāma yadrājaputrīyaṃ viśrutaṃ gajavaidyakam rājñaḥ somasya putratvād rājaputro budhaḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

The renowned science of treating elephants, known as “Rājaputrīya,” is so named because Budha is remembered as a “rājaputra” (prince), being the son of King Soma.

Word by Word

• नाम (nāma): name/term

• यत् (yat): which

• राजपुत्रीयम् (rājaputrīyam): ‘Rājaputrīya’ (pertaining to a prince

• विश्रुतम् (viśrutam): widely famed/renowned

• गजवैद्यकम् (gajavaidyakam): elephant-veterinary science/medicine for elephants

• राज्ञः (rājñaḥ): of the king

• सोमस्य (somasya): of Soma

• पुत्रत्वात् (putratvāt): because of being a son/sonship

• राजपुत्रः (rājaputraḥ): a king’s son/prince

• बुधः (budhaḥ): Budha (the person named Budha)

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/is traditionally known.

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s royal-genealogical account)

Entities Mentioned

• Budha
• Soma

Tags

• Dynasties
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Royal sciences
• Gajavaidyaka
• Etymology

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on nomenclature and lineage—explaining why a famed elephant-medicine tradition is called ‘Rājaputrīya’ and linking Budha’s identity to Soma.

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

It reflects the royal sphere’s responsibility to preserve specialized knowledge—such as elephant care (vital for armies and statecraft)—and shows how courtly lineages and titles authenticate and transmit technical sciences.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or ritual procedure is stated here; the technical significance is veterinary/statecraft-oriented—highlighting a recognized śāstra of elephant medicine (gajavaidyaka) associated with royal tradition.