Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः सोमः पितॄणामधिपः कथं शास्त्रविशारद तद्वंश्या ये च राजानो बभूवुः कीर्तिवर्धनाः //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ somaḥ pitṝṇāmadhipaḥ kathaṃ śāstraviśārada tadvaṃśyā ye ca rājāno babhūvuḥ kīrtivardhanāḥ //

Translation

The sages said: “O you who are learned in the scriptures, how did Soma become the lord of the Pitṛs (ancestral beings)? And which kings were born in his lineage—those who increased fame and renown?”

Word by Word

• ṛṣayaḥ: the sages

• ūcuḥ: said

• somaḥ: Soma (the Moon-god/Chandra)

• pitṝṇām: of the Pitṛs (ancestors)

• adhipaḥ: lord, overlord

• katham: how, in what manner

• śāstra-viśārada: one skilled in the scriptures

• tad-vaṃśyāḥ: belonging to his lineage/descendants

• ye ca: and which/also those who

• rājānaḥ: kings

• babhūvuḥ: became, were born/existed

• kīrti-vardhanāḥ: increasers of fame, glory-enhancing

Speaker

• The Rishis (sages) addressing the narrator/teacher

Entities Mentioned

• Soma
• Pitṛs

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Lunar Dynasty
• Kingship
• Puranic Lineages

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it opens a genealogical inquiry about Soma’s status among the Pitṛs and the succession of renowned kings in his lineage.

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

By asking about “kīrtivardhanāḥ” kings, the verse frames kingship in terms of upholding actions that enhance lasting fame—typically achieved through dharma, protection of subjects, patronage of rites, and lineage continuity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual implication is indirect: Soma’s lordship over the Pitṛs points toward the Pitṛ-yajña/śrāddha tradition (ancestral rites), though no Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this verse.