Shloka 42

Matsya Purana — Genealogy of Kaśyapa: Ādityas

Devanagari script

एषामनन्तमभवत् सर्वेषां पुत्रपौत्रकम् प्रायशो यत्पुरा दग्धं जनमेजयमन्दिरे //

Transliteration

eṣāmanantamabhavat sarveṣāṃ putrapautrakam prāyaśo yatpurā dagdhaṃ janamejayamandire //

Translation

For these royal lineages, the succession of sons and grandsons became, as it were, unending—though much of it was formerly burned (lost) in King Janamejaya’s palace.

Word by Word

• एषाम् (eṣām): of these (kings/lineages)

• अनन्तम् (anantam): endless, unbounded

• अभवत् (abhavat): became, came to be

• सर्वेषाम् (sarveṣām): of all (of them)

• पुत्रपौत्रकम् (putra-pautrakam): the line of sons and grandsons, descendants

• प्रायशः (prāyaśaḥ): for the most part, largely

• यत् (yat): which

• पुरा (purā): formerly, earlier

• दग्धम् (dagdham): burned, destroyed (by fire)

• जनमेजयमन्दिरे (janamejaya-mandire): in the palace/house of Janamejaya.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Janamejaya

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Itihasa-Purana transmission
• Royal lineages
• Textual loss

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it highlights continuity of dynastic descent and notes that earlier records were largely destroyed by a fire in Janamejaya’s residence.

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

It implicitly values preservation of lineage and records: a king/householder is expected to safeguard archives, genealogies, and traditions that legitimize succession and sustain dharma through memory and documentation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The only implied point is practical: palaces/mandiras (royal residences) housed records, and fire could destroy them—an indirect reminder for secure storage and protective measures rather than a specific Vastu rule.