Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Genealogy of Kaśyapa: Ādityas

Devanagari script

पौलोमान्कालकेयांश्च मारीचो ऽजनयत्पुरा अवध्या ये ऽमराणां वै हिरण्यपुरवासिनः //

Transliteration

paulomānkālakeyāṃśca mārīco 'janayatpurā avadhyā ye 'marāṇāṃ vai hiraṇyapuravāsinaḥ //

Translation

In ancient times Marīci begot the Paulomas and the Kālakeyas—those dwellers of Hiraṇyapura who were indeed invincible to the gods.

Word by Word

• पौलोमान् (paulomān): the Paulomas (a Daitya/Dānava clan)

• कालकेयान् (kālakeyān): the Kālakeyas (a Daitya/Dānava clan)

• च (ca): and

• मारीचः (mārīcaḥ): Marīci (a Prajāpati/sage)

• अजनयत् (ajanayat): begot, generated

• पुरा (purā): formerly, in ancient times

• अवध्याः (avadhyāḥ): not to be slain, invincible

• ये (ye): who

• अमराणाम् (amarāṇām): of the immortals/gods (Devas)

• वै (vai): indeed

• हिरण्यपुरवासिनः (hiraṇyapuravāsinaḥ): inhabitants of Hiraṇyapura (the “Golden City”).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting Purāṇic genealogy to the sages (frame narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Marīci
• Paulomas
• Kālakeyas
• Amaras (Devas)
• Hiraṇyapura

Tags

• Genealogies
• Daityas-Danavas
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Puranic cosmology
• Asura cities

FAQs

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

It reflects the creation-side (sarga) genealogical expansion: Marīci’s lineage produces powerful Daitya/Dānava groups (Paulomas, Kālakeyas), indicating how cosmic history includes both divine and anti-divine lineages rather than focusing on Pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic model of statecraft: rulers must understand lineages and the nature of hostile powers—here, clans described as “invincible to the Devas”—so a king’s dharma includes vigilance, alliances, and protection against formidable adversaries.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse hints at a famed fortified/urban realm—Hiraṇyapura (“Golden City”)—a motif later associated with powerful non-divine polities; while no Vāstu rule is stated here, it supplies the narrative backdrop for Purāṇic city-ideal themes relevant to Matsya Purana’s broader interest in settlement and sacred geography.