Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Genealogy of the Śūra–Vasudeva

Devanagari script

माद्रवत्यां तु जनिताव् अश्विभ्याभिति शुश्रुम नकुलः सहदेवश्च रूपशीलगुणान्वितौ //

Transliteration

mādravatyāṃ tu janitāv aśvibhyābhiti śuśruma nakulaḥ sahadevaśca rūpaśīlaguṇānvitau //

Translation

We have heard that, in Mādravatī, Nakula and Sahadeva were begotten by the twin Aśvins; both were endowed with beauty, good conduct, and noble qualities.

Word by Word

• माद्रवत्याम्: in Mādravatī (in the land/region of Madra)

• तु: indeed/and

• जनितौ: (the two) were begotten/born

• अश्विभ्याम्: by the two Aśvins (Divine Physicians)

• इति: thus

• शुश्रुम: we have heard (traditional report)

• नकुलः: Nakula

• सहदेवः च: and Sahadeva

• रूप: beauty/form

• शील: good character/conduct

• गुण: virtues/qualities

• अन्वितौ: endowed with/possessed of

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) reporting traditional genealogy within the Matsya Purana’s discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Mādravatī
• Aśvins
• Nakula
• Sahadeva

Tags

• Genealogy
• Pandavas
• Aśvins
• Dynasties
• Itihasa

FAQs

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

Nothing directly—this verse is genealogical, identifying divine parentage and virtues of Nakula and Sahadeva rather than describing Pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it upholds the ideal of rulers/warriors possessing śīla (good conduct) and guṇa (virtues), implying that noble lineage is validated by ethical character, not merely birth.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the verse functions as a lineage note connecting the Pandavas to the Aśvins.