Shloka 57

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

Devanagari script

एते वैवस्वते वंशे राजानो भूरिदक्षिणाः इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवाः प्राधान्येन प्रकीर्तिताः //

Transliteration

ete vaivasvate vaṃśe rājāno bhūridakṣiṇāḥ ikṣvākuvaṃśaprabhavāḥ prādhānyena prakīrtitāḥ //

Translation

These kings, born in the lineage of Vaivasvata (Manu) and sprung from the Ikṣvāku dynasty, were proclaimed preeminent, famed chiefly for abundant generosity in gifts and sacrificial patronage.

Word by Word

• ete: these

• vaivasvate: of Vaivasvata (Manu)

• vaṃśe: in the lineage/dynasty

• rājānaḥ: kings

• bhūri-dakṣiṇāḥ: possessing abundant dakṣiṇā (generous gifts/fees, especially given at sacrifices)

• ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prabhavāḥ: originating from the Ikṣvāku line

• prādhānyena: primarily/with special prominence

• prakīrtitāḥ: proclaimed, celebrated, praised

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) describing the Vaivasvata/Ikṣvāku royal line

Entities Mentioned

• Vaivasvata Manu
• Ikṣvāku
• Solar Dynasty (Sūryavaṃśa)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Kingship
• Dāna
• Yajña

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it belongs to the genealogical narration of the Vaivasvata (post-flood) human royal line, emphasizing how kings became renowned through dharmic generosity.

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

By praising “bhūri-dakṣiṇāḥ,” the verse highlights a core royal duty: supporting yajñas and public welfare through dāna (gifts) and dakṣiṇā (sacrificial fees), a key marker of righteous kingship in Purāṇic dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is the emphasis on dakṣiṇā—generous giving associated with yajña performance and patronage; no specific Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.