Shloka 9

Matsya Purana — Lineage of the Pitṛs

Devanagari script

रुद्रस्यैका सितस्यैका जैगीषव्यस्य चापरा दत्ता हिमवता बालाः सर्वा लोके तपो ऽधिकाः //

Transliteration

rudrasyaikā sitasyaikā jaigīṣavyasya cāparā dattā himavatā bālāḥ sarvā loke tapo 'dhikāḥ //

Translation

One maiden was given to Rudra, one to Sita, and another to Jaigīṣavya. Those daughters bestowed by Himavat were all, in this world, pre-eminent in ascetic power (tapas).

Word by Word

• rudrasya: to Rudra

• ekā: one (girl/daughter)

• sitasya: to Sita (a proper name)

• ekā: one

• jaigīṣavyasya: to Jaigīṣavya

• ca: and

• aparā: another

• dattā: given/bestowed (in marriage)

• himavatā: by Himavat (the हिमालय personified)

• bālāḥ: maidens/daughters

• sarvāḥ: all

• loke: in the world

• tapaḥ-adhikāḥ (tapo ’dhikāḥ): possessing superior tapas / pre-eminent in ascetic merit

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu in the Matsya Purana dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Rudra
• Sita
• Jaigīṣavya
• Himavat

Tags

• Tapas
• Himalaya (Himavat)
• Sacred lineages
• Marriage-alliance
• Rishi traditions

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it highlights sacred lineage formation through Himavat’s daughters and emphasizes their exceptional tapas as a source of spiritual potency in the world.

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

It reflects the Purāṇic ideal that alliances (such as marriage) and family lines should be grounded in dharma and spiritual merit; for householders and rulers, honoring tapasvī lineages is portrayed as socially stabilizing and religiously auspicious.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated here; the ritual takeaway is the Purāṇic valuation of tapas—spiritual discipline—as a qualifying power that sanctifies lineages and religious acts.