Shloka 56

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

Devanagari script

नलौ द्वाव् एव विख्यातौ वंशे कश्यपसम्भवे वीरसेनसुतस्तद्वन् नैषधश्च नराधिपः //

Transliteration

nalau dvāv eva vikhyātau vaṃśe kaśyapasambhave vīrasenasutastadvan naiṣadhaśca narādhipaḥ //

Translation

In the lineage descended from Kaśyapa, two kings named Nala alone are renowned—one the son of Vīrasena, and the other the Niṣadha king, a ruler among men.

Word by Word

• नलौ (nalau): the two (named) Nala

• द्वौ (dvau): two

• एव (eva): indeed/only

• विख्यातौ (vikhyātau): renowned, celebrated

• वंशे (vaṃśe): in the lineage/dynasty

• कश्यपसम्भवे (kaśyapa-sambhave): sprung from Kaśyapa, descended from Kaśyapa

• वीरसेनसुतः (vīrasena-sutaḥ): the son of Vīrasena

• तद्वन् (tadvan): likewise, in the same manner

• नैषधः (naiṣadhaḥ): the king of Niṣadha (Naiṣadha)

• च (ca): and

• नराधिपः (narādhipaḥ): king, lord of men.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, genealogical narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Kaśyapa
• Nala
• Vīrasena
• Niṣadha (Janapada/Kingdom)
• Naiṣadha

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Ikshvaku-line context
• Puranic kings
• Ancient Indian genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a genealogical identification verse, distinguishing two famous kings named Nala within the Kaśyapa-descended royal line.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Matsya Purana’s rajadharma framework by preserving royal memory: naming and distinguishing kings (narādhipas) is part of the Purāṇic aim of legitimizing righteous rule through lineage and historical continuity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, iconography, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is purely dynastic—cataloguing notable rulers and their identifiers (father-name/kingdom).