Shloka 51

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

Devanagari script

वाल्मीकिस्तस्य चरितं चक्रे भार्गवसत्तमः तस्य पुत्रौ कुशलवाव् इक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धनौ //

Transliteration

vālmīkistasya caritaṃ cakre bhārgavasattamaḥ tasya putrau kuśalavāv ikṣvākukulavardhanau //

Translation

Vālmīki composed the account of his life; and his two sons, Kuśa and Lava, became enhancers of the Ikṣvāku dynasty.

Word by Word

• वाल्मीकिः (vālmīkiḥ): Vālmīki

• तस्य (tasya): of him/that one

• चरितम् (caritam): life-story, exploits, biography

• चक्रे (cakre): composed, made

• भार्गवसत्तमः (bhārgavasattamaḥ): the foremost Bhārgava (an honorific for a Bhṛgu-line sage)

• तस्य (tasya): his

• पुत्रौ (putrau): two sons

• कुशलवौ (kuśa-lavau): Kuśa and Lava

• इक्ष्वाकुकुलवर्धनौ (ikṣvāku-kula-vardhanau): increasers/glorifiers of the Ikṣvāku lineage

Speaker

• Sūta (narratorial voice within the Purāṇic discourse; presented in the Matsya Purana’s genealogical narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Vālmīki
• Bhārgava
• Kuśa
• Lava
• Ikṣvāku dynasty

Tags

• Dynasties
• Itihasa
• Genealogy
• Ramayana tradition
• Lineage

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on dynastic history and the preservation of sacred narrative through Vālmīki and the Ikṣvāku line.

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

By praising Kuśa and Lava as “enhancers of the Ikṣvāku dynasty,” the verse implies the Purāṇic ideal of dynastic responsibility—protecting dharma, maintaining lineage continuity, and upholding the family’s reputation through righteous conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its significance is historical-genealogical, linking epic tradition (Vālmīki) to royal lineage (Ikṣvāku).