Shloka 20

Matsya Purana — Kārtavīrya Arjuna’s Solar Boon and the Genealogy from Kroṣṭu to the Yādava Lines

Devanagari script

धीमतां चाभिरूपाणां भूरिद्रविणतेजसाम् तेषां शतप्रधानानां पृथुसाह्वा महाबलाः //

Transliteration

dhīmatāṃ cābhirūpāṇāṃ bhūridraviṇatejasām teṣāṃ śatapradhānānāṃ pṛthusāhvā mahābalāḥ //

Translation

Among them—wise and comely, endowed with abundant wealth and splendor—among the foremost of that hundred were the great and mighty ones bearing the name Pṛthu.

Word by Word

• dhīmatām: of the intelligent/wise

• ca: and

• abhirūpāṇām: of the handsome/comely

• bhūri: abundant

• draviṇa: wealth/treasure

• tejasām: of splendor/energy

• teṣām: of them

• śata-pradhānānām: of the leaders/foremost among hundreds

• pṛthu-sāhvāḥ: those bearing the name ‘Pṛthu’/called Pṛthu

• mahā-balāḥ: very powerful, of great strength

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Purāṇic genealogy in discourse

Entities Mentioned

• Pṛthu (name/title)
• Śata-pradhāna (group leaders)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal lineages
• Kshatriya ideals
• Puranic history

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to a genealogical catalogue highlighting exemplary rulers distinguished by wisdom, beauty, wealth, and valor.

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

By praising rulers as dhīmat (wise), tejasvin (splendid), and mahābala (mighty), the verse implies the royal ideal: governance grounded in discernment, prosperity, and protective strength—qualities expected of a king and admired as virtues for householders in ethical discourse.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule appears in this verse; its function is genealogical—marking a distinguished group (śata-pradhāna) and the renowned name/title ‘Pṛthu’ within dynastic narration.