Shloka 41

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

Devanagari script

एका षष्टिसहस्राणि सुतमेकं तथापरा गृह्णातु वंशकर्तारं प्रभागृह्णाद् बहूंस्तदा //

Transliteration

ekā ṣaṣṭisahasrāṇi sutamekaṃ tathāparā gṛhṇātu vaṃśakartāraṃ prabhāgṛhṇād bahūṃstadā //

Translation

One queen accepted a single son—one who would continue the dynasty—while the other, Prabhā, then accepted many sons.

Word by Word

• ekā: one (woman/queen)

• ṣaṣṭi-sahasrāṇi: sixty-thousands (i.e., very many)

• sutam: son

• ekam: one

• tathā: likewise

• aparā: another (woman/queen)

• gṛhṇātu/gṛhṇāti: accepted/received

• vaṃśa-kartāram: maker/establisher of the lineage (dynasty-continuing heir)

• prabhā: Prabhā (proper name)

• gṛhṇāt: accepted/received

• bahūn: many

• tadā: then/at that time

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Purāṇic genealogy context)

Entities Mentioned

• Prabhā

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Heir
• Vaṁśa
• Progeny

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dynastic continuity through the acceptance of sons, highlighting lineage-making (vaṃśa-kartā) rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

It reflects the Purāṇic emphasis on gṛhastha-dharma and royal duty to ensure orderly succession—securing a legitimate heir who can continue the dynasty and uphold social and political stability.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu/temple-building or ritual procedure is explicitly mentioned; the technical focus is genealogical (vaṃśa) and succession-oriented rather than architectural.