Shloka 14

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

Devanagari script

इलस्य नाम्ना तद्वर्षम् इलावृतम् अभूत्तदा सोमार्कवंशयोर् आदाव् इलो ऽभून्मनुनन्दनः //

Transliteration

ilasya nāmnā tadvarṣam ilāvṛtam abhūttadā somārkavaṃśayor ādāv ilo 'bhūnmanunandanaḥ //

Translation

That region then came to be called Ilāvṛta after Ila; and Ila—Manu’s beloved child—became the first progenitor at the beginning of both the Lunar and the Solar dynastic lines.

Word by Word

• इलस्य (ilasya): of Ila

• नाम्ना (nāmnā): by name/after the name

• तत्-वर्षम् (tad-varṣam): that land/region (varṣa)

• इलावृतम् (ilāvṛtam): Ilāvṛta (name of the region)

• अभूत् (abhūt): became

• तदा (tadā): then

• सोम-अर्क-वंशयोः (soma-arka-vaṃśayoḥ): of the Lunar and Solar dynasties

• आदौ (ādau): at the beginning

• इलः (ilaḥ/ilo): Ila

• अभूत् (abhūt): became

• मनु-नन्दनः (manu-nandanaḥ): Manu’s child/beloved offspring

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Ila
• Ilāvṛta
• Manu (Vaivasvata Manu)
• Somavaṃśa (Lunar dynasty)
• Arkavaṃśa/Sūryavaṃśa (Solar dynasty)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Manvantaras
• Puranic geography
• Kingship lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it shifts to post-cosmic-order history, naming Ilāvṛta and situating Ila as a foundational link in dynastic genealogy.

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

By emphasizing dynastic origins, it reinforces the Purāṇic ideal that kingship is sustained through legitimate lineage, continuity of dharma, and responsible succession—key concerns for rulers and householders preserving family order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is primarily geographic and genealogical, providing context often used in Purāṇas to anchor later rites and royal foundations to sacred lineages.