Shloka 12

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

Devanagari script

मासमेकं पुमान्वीरः स्त्री च मासमभूत्पुनः बुधस्य भवने तिष्ठन् निलो गर्भधरो ऽभवत् //

Transliteration

māsamekaṃ pumānvīraḥ strī ca māsamabhūtpunaḥ budhasya bhavane tiṣṭhan nilo garbhadharo 'bhavat //

Translation

For one month the valiant one became a man, and for another month became a woman again. While dwelling in Budha’s abode, Nila became the bearer of a fetus (became pregnant).

Word by Word

• māsam: for a month

• ekam: one

• pumān: a man

• vīraḥ: the heroic/valiant one

• strī: a woman

• ca: and

• māsam: for a month

• abhūt: became

• punaḥ: again

• budhasya: of Budha (Mercury, son of Soma)

• bhavane: in the house/abode

• tiṣṭhan: staying/remaining

• nilaḥ: Nila (proper name)

• garbha-dharaḥ: bearer of an embryo/pregnant

• abhavat: became

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Purāṇic account; within the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame ultimately conveying Matsya’s teaching to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Budha
• Nila

Tags

• Genealogy
• Manvantara
• Transformation
• Conception
• Budha

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on a lineage episode involving alternating gender transformation and conception while residing in Budha’s abode.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic emphasis on progeny and lineage continuity—key social ideals for householders and rulers—by explaining extraordinary circumstances behind dynastic origins.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is taught here; “Budha’s abode” functions as a narrative setting rather than a technical architectural instruction.