Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Genealogy of the Śūra–Vasudeva

Devanagari script

श्रद्धादेव्या विहारे तु वने हि विचरन्पुरा वैश्यायामदधाच्छौरिः पुत्रं कौशिकमग्रजम् //

Transliteration

śraddhādevyā vihāre tu vane hi vicaranpurā vaiśyāyāmadadhācchauriḥ putraṃ kauśikamagrajam //

Translation

Formerly, while roaming in a forest pleasure-grove together with Śraddhādevī, Śauri begot—upon a Vaiśyā woman—his elder son named Kauśika.

Word by Word

• श्रद्धादेव्या (śraddhādevyā): with Śraddhādevī

• विहारे (vihāre): in recreation/pleasure-wandering

• तु (tu): indeed/and

• वने (vane): in the forest

• हि (hi): verily

• विचरन् (vicaran): roaming, moving about

• पुरा (purā): formerly

• वैश्यायाम् (vaiśyāyām): in/with a Vaiśyā woman

• अदधात् (adadhāt): placed/produced/begot (as offspring)

• शौरिः (śauriḥ): Śauri (a patronymic epithet, here a king/person named Śauri)

• पुत्रम् (putram): son

• कौशिकम् (kauśikam): Kauśika (proper name)

• अग्रजम् (agrajam): elder-born, first/elder son

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting genealogy (within the Matsya Purana’s lineage narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Śraddhādevī
• Śauri
• Kauśika
• Vaiśyā

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Puranic kings
• Lineage narration

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it is part of a genealogical narration describing the birth of Kauśika to Śauri.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic emphasis on lineage and progeny (praja), where a ruler’s succession and family line are treated as socially and politically consequential.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the verse is purely genealogical, naming persons and describing a birth in a forest recreation setting.