Shloka 15

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

Devanagari script

एवं पुरूरवाः पुंसोर् अभवद् वंशवर्धनः इक्ष्वाकुर् अर्कवंशस्य तथैवोक्तस्तपोधनाः //

Transliteration

evaṃ purūravāḥ puṃsor abhavad vaṃśavardhanaḥ ikṣvākur arkavaṃśasya tathaivoktastapodhanāḥ //

Translation

Thus, from that man (the progenitor), Purūravas became an increaser of the lineage; and Ikṣvāku—of the Solar (Arka/Sūrya) dynasty—has likewise been declared, O wealth of austerity.

Word by Word

• evam: thus

• purūravāḥ: Purūravas (a famed early king)

• puṃsaḥ (puṃsor): of the man/progenitor

• abhavat: became/arose

• vaṃśa-vardhanaḥ: increaser of the dynasty/lineage

• ikṣvākuḥ: Ikṣvāku (founder-figure of the Solar line)

• arka-vaṃśasya: of the Sun’s lineage (Solar dynasty)

• tathā eva: likewise/just so

• uktaḥ: said/declared

• tapa-dhanāḥ: O one whose wealth is austerity (address to an ascetic/Manu).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Purūravas
• Ikṣvāku
• Arka (Sun/Sūrya)
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Solar Dynasty
• Puranic Kings
• Vamsha

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on royal genealogy, naming Purūravas and Ikṣvāku as key lineage-increasers, especially for the Solar dynasty.

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

By praising figures as “vaṃśavardhana” (upholders and increasers of the line), it implies the dharmic ideal that rulers preserve social order and continuity through righteous governance and legitimate succession.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is a genealogical marker within the Matsya Purana’s dynastic narration.