Shloka 50

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

Devanagari script

नारायणात्मकाः सर्वे रामस्तेष्वग्रजो ऽभवत् रावणान्तकरस्तद्वद् रघूणां वंशवर्धनः //

Transliteration

nārāyaṇātmakāḥ sarve rāmasteṣvagrajo 'bhavat rāvaṇāntakarastadvad raghūṇāṃ vaṃśavardhanaḥ //

Translation

All of them were of the very essence of Nārāyaṇa; among them, Rāma became the foremost. He was the slayer who brought Rāvaṇa to his end, and likewise the increaser and upholder of the lineage of the Raghu dynasty.

Word by Word

• nārāyaṇātmakāḥ: having the nature/essence of Nārāyaṇa

• sarve: all

• rāmaḥ: Rāma

• teṣu: among them

• agrajaḥ: the foremost/eldest, preeminent one

• abhavat: became

• rāvaṇa-anta-karaḥ: maker of Rāvaṇa’s end, slayer of Rāvaṇa

• tadvat: likewise/just so

• raghūṇām: of the Raghus (Raghu dynasty)

• vaṃśa-vardhanaḥ: increaser/strengthener of the lineage

Speaker

• Likely Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) continuing the dynastic account (genealogical narration within Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Nārāyaṇa
• Rāma
• Rāvaṇa
• Raghu (Raghu dynasty / Raghus)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Rama
• Vishnu-incarnation
• Genealogy
• Itihasa-Purana linkage

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on avatar-theology and royal genealogy, presenting Rāma as Nārāyaṇa’s essence and as the upholder of the Raghu line.

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

By praising Rāma as the destroyer of a tyrant (Rāvaṇa) and the “increaser of the dynasty,” the verse aligns kingship with protecting dharma, removing oppressive forces, and sustaining righteous lineage and social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is primarily genealogical and theological, emphasizing divine incarnation and dynastic continuity.