Shloka 30

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

Devanagari script

श्रावस्तश्च महातेजा वत्सकस्तत्सुतो ऽभवत् निर्मिता येन श्रावस्ती गौडदेशे द्विजोत्तमाः //

Transliteration

śrāvastaśca mahātejā vatsakastatsuto 'bhavat nirmitā yena śrāvastī gauḍadeśe dvijottamāḥ //

Translation

O best of the twice-born, there was the mighty Śrāvasta; his son was Vatsaka. It was by him that the city of Śrāvastī was founded in the land of Gauḍa.

Word by Word

• श्रावस्तः (śrāvastaḥ): Śrāvasta (a king/person named Śrāvasta)

• च (ca): and

• महातेजाः (mahātejāḥ): of great splendor/might

• वत्सकः (vatsakaḥ): Vatsaka (proper name)

• तत्सुतः (tat-sutaḥ): his son

• अभवत् (abhavat): became/was

• निर्मिता (nirmitā): built/founded/constructed

• येन (yena): by whom

• श्रावस्ती (śrāvastī): Śrāvastī (city)

• गौडदेशे (gauḍa-deśe): in the Gauḍa region/country

• द्विजोत्तमाः (dvijottamāḥ): O best of the twice-born (address to Brahmins).

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) continuing the Matsya Purana’s dynastic account (vamsa narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Śrāvasta
• Vatsaka
• Śrāvastī
• Gauḍa-deśa
• Dvija (Brahmins)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Ancient Cities
• Puranic Geography
• Royal Lineages

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to the dynastic narrative, recording royal succession and the founding of the city Śrāvastī.

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

It highlights a king’s civilizing role—establishing settlements and cities—an implied aspect of rajadharma: ensuring organized habitation, protection, and prosperity through stable polity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key point is city-foundation (nirmitā śrāvastī). While no technical Vāstu rules are stated here, it signals the Purāṇic theme that righteous rulers establish planned urban centers—an entry-point for “Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips” in later architectural chapters.