Shloka 19

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

Devanagari script

जगामेलावृतं भोक्तुं वर्षं दिव्यफलाशनम् इक्ष्वाकुर्ज्येष्ठदायादो मध्यदेशमवाप्तवान् //

Transliteration

jagāmelāvṛtaṃ bhoktuṃ varṣaṃ divyaphalāśanam ikṣvākurjyeṣṭhadāyādo madhyadeśamavāptavān //

Translation

Ikṣvāku’s eldest heir went to enjoy the region of Elāvṛta, that varṣa where one lives on divine fruits; and he also obtained Madhyadeśa, the central country.

Word by Word

• jagāma: went

• elāvṛtam: Elāvṛta (a named varṣa/region)

• bhoktum: to enjoy/partake

• varṣam: region/varṣa (territorial division)

• divya-phala-āśanam: whose food is divine fruits / subsisting on heavenly fruits

• ikṣvākuḥ: Ikṣvāku

• jyeṣṭha-dāyādaḥ: the eldest heir/primary successor

• madhya-deśam: Madhyadeśa (the Middle Country)

• avāptavān: obtained/attained/reached

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice), within the Matsya Purana’s dynastic account

Entities Mentioned

• Ikṣvāku
• Elāvṛta
• Madhyadeśa

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Regions
• Ancient Indian geography
• Ikṣvāku lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it focuses on post-mythic human geography and dynastic movement—how an Ikṣvāku heir is associated with Elāvṛta and Madhyadeśa.

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

Indirectly, it reflects royal succession (jyeṣṭha-dāyāda) and the settling/obtaining of a realm—core concerns of kingship in Purāṇic polity: rightful inheritance and establishing rule in a defined territory.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the technical point is geographical—identifying regions (varṣa, Madhyadeśa) often used elsewhere to contextualize where dharma, rites, and royal capitals are established.