Shloka 53

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

Devanagari script

नभसः पुण्डरीको ऽभूत् क्षेमधन्वा ततः स्मृतः तस्य पुत्रो ऽभवद्वीरो देवानीकः प्रतापवान् //

Transliteration

nabhasaḥ puṇḍarīko 'bhūt kṣemadhanvā tataḥ smṛtaḥ tasya putro 'bhavadvīro devānīkaḥ pratāpavān //

Translation

From Nabhas was born Puṇḍarīka; after him is remembered Kṣemadhanvan. His son was the heroic Devānīka, renowned for his valor and majesty.

Word by Word

• nabhasaḥ: from Nabhas

• puṇḍarīkaḥ: Puṇḍarīka (a proper name)

• abhūt: was born/came to be

• kṣemadhanvā: Kṣemadhanvan (proper name, ‘he whose bow brings security/prosperity’)

• tataḥ: thereafter/then

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/recorded

• tasya: of him

• putraḥ: son

• abhavat: became/was born

• vīraḥ: heroic man/warrior

• devānīkaḥ: Devānīka (proper name, ‘leader/host of the gods’)

• pratāpavān: possessing splendor/valor, mighty

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue with Vaivasvata Manu), recounting royal genealogy

Entities Mentioned

• Nabhas
• Puṇḍarīka
• Kṣemadhanvan
• Devānīka

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Solar Dynasty
• Rajavamsa
• Puranic History

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it preserves dynastic memory by listing successive kings in a lineage.

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

Indirectly, it upholds the Purāṇic ideal of righteous succession: kings are remembered by name and qualities such as vīrya (heroism) and pratāpa (royal splendor), implying the standards by which rulers are commemorated.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is purely genealogical (vamśa listing).