Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Origins of Gods and Beings: Daksha’s Progeny

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः देवानां दानवानां च गन्धर्वोरगरक्षसाम् उत्पत्तिं विस्तरेणैव सूत ब्रूहि यथातथम् //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ devānāṃ dānavānāṃ ca gandharvoragarakṣasām utpattiṃ vistareṇaiva sūta brūhi yathātatham //

Translation

The sages said: “O Sūta, tell us—truthfully and in full detail—the origin of the gods, the Dānavas, the Gandharvas, the Nāgas, and the Rākṣasas.”

Word by Word

• ऋषयः: the sages

• ऊचुः: said

• देवानाम्: of the gods

• दानवानाम्: of the Dānavas (a class of Asuras)

• च: and

• गन्धर्व-उरग-रक्षसाम्: of the Gandharvas, Nāgas (serpents), and Rākṣasas

• उत्पत्तिम्: origin, birth, emergence

• विस्तरेण एव: in detail indeed

• सूत: O Sūta (the narrator)

• ब्रूहि: tell, narrate

• यथा-तथम्: as it truly is, accurately

Speaker

• The sages (Ṛṣis)

Entities Mentioned

• Sūta
• Devas
• Dānavas
• Gandharvas
• Nāgas (Uraga)
• Rākṣasas

Tags

• Creation
• Genealogy
• Cosmology
• Devas and Asuras
• Puranic origins

FAQs

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

It frames a creation-focused inquiry: the sages request a detailed account of the origins (utpatti) of multiple classes of beings; dissolution (pralaya) is not directly described in this verse.

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

Indirectly, it establishes the Purāṇic method of learning dharma through accurate lineage and origin narratives; such knowledge is traditionally treated as foundational for right understanding and conduct, though no specific kingly or household duty is stated here.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

None explicitly—this verse is a cosmological prompt (origins of beings), not a Vastu Shastra or ritual-procedure instruction.