Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Ila–Sudyumna Episode and the Expansion of the Ikṣvāku

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकोरश्वमेधेन यत्फलं स्यात्तदावयोः दत्त्वा किम्पुरुषो वीरः स भविष्यत्यसंशयम् //

Transliteration

ikṣvākoraśvamedhena yatphalaṃ syāttadāvayoḥ dattvā kimpuruṣo vīraḥ sa bhaviṣyatyasaṃśayam //

Translation

Whatever merit is obtained by Ikṣvāku through the Aśvamedha sacrifice—by giving in this manner, that very fruit will accrue to us. Indeed, after giving, the heroic giver will surely become a Kiṃpuruṣa, without doubt.

Word by Word

• इक्ष्वाकोः: of Ikṣvāku

• अश्वमेधेन: by the Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice)

• यत् फलम्: whatever reward/merit

• स्यात्: would be/occurs

• तत्: that

• आवयोः: for us two / for both of us

• दत्त्वा: having given

• किम्पुरुषः: a Kiṃpuruṣa (a semi-divine being)

• वीरः: the heroic one (valiant donor)

• सः: he

• भविष्यति: will become

• असंशयम्: without doubt

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, on dharma and merit)

Entities Mentioned

• Ikṣvāku
• Aśvamedha
• Kiṃpuruṣa

Tags

• Dāna
• Aśvamedha
• Royal Dharma
• Merit (Puṇya)
• Genealogy (Ikṣvāku)

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on puṇya (religious merit) gained through giving, comparing it to the famed Aśvamedha sacrifice of Ikṣvāku.

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

It elevates dāna (charitable giving) as a central duty: the merit of great royal rituals like Aśvamedha can be matched by proper giving, encouraging rulers and householders to prioritize generosity as dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual reference is the Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice), used as a benchmark for merit; no Vāstu or temple-architecture rule appears in this verse.