Shloka 43

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

Devanagari script

खनन्तः पृथिवीं दग्धा विष्णुना ये ऽश्वमार्गणे असमञ्जसस्तु तनयो यो ऽंशुमान्नाम विश्रुतः //

Transliteration

khanantaḥ pṛthivīṃ dagdhā viṣṇunā ye 'śvamārgaṇe asamañjasastu tanayo yo 'ṃśumānnāma viśrutaḥ //

Translation

While digging up the earth in search of the Aśvamedha sacrificial horse, those sons of Sagara were burned by Viṣṇu (in the form of Kapila). But Asamañjasa had a son renowned as Aṃśumān.

Word by Word

• खनन्तः: digging

• पृथिवीम्: the earth

• दग्धाः: were burnt

• विष्णुना: by Viṣṇu (i.e., the divine power, here Kapila)

• ये: those who

• अश्वमार्गणे: in the search/tracking of the horse (of the Aśvamedha)

• असमञ्जसः: Asamañjasa (a prince of Sagara’s line)

• तु: however/but

• तनयः: son

• यः: who

• अंशुमान्: Aṃśumān (proper name)

• नाम: by name

• विश्रुतः: famous/renowned.

Speaker

• Suta/Narrator (Puranic narration within the Matsya Purana’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Vishnu
• Kapila
• Sagara
• Asamanjasa
• Anshuman
• Ashvamedha (sacrificial horse)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Suryavamsha
• Ashvamedha
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to a dynastic narrative, highlighting divine intervention (burning by Viṣṇu/Kapila) during Sagara’s Aśvamedha horse search.

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

It reflects the royal pursuit of sovereignty through Aśvamedha and implies ethical caution: even kingly enterprises can incur catastrophic consequences when driven by excessive force—yet rightful succession continues through a worthy heir (Aṃśumān).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual reference is Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice), a major royal rite tied to kingship and legitimacy; no Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.