Shloka 22

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

Devanagari script

आपस्य पुत्राश् चत्वारः शान्तो वै दण्ड एव च शाम्बो ऽथ मणिवक्त्रश्च यज्ञरक्षाधिकारिणः //

Transliteration

āpasya putrāś catvāraḥ śānto vai daṇḍa eva ca śāmbo 'tha maṇivaktraśca yajñarakṣādhikāriṇaḥ //

Translation

Āpa had four sons—Śānta, Daṇḍa, Śāmba, and Maṇivaktra—who were appointed as the authorized protectors of sacrificial rites (yajña).

Word by Word

• āpasya: of Āpa

• putrāḥ: sons

• catvāraḥ: four

• śāntaḥ: (named) Śānta

• vai: indeed

• daṇḍaḥ: (named) Daṇḍa / the chastiser

• eva ca: and also

• śāmbaḥ: (named) Śāmba

• atha: then/also

• maṇivaktraḥ: (named) Maṇivaktra (“jewel-faced”)

• ca: and

• yajña: sacrifice/ritual

• rakṣā: protection/guarding

• adhikāriṇaḥ: officers/authorized functionaries

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Matsya Purana’s genealogical-ritual appointments

Entities Mentioned

• Āpa
• Śānta
• Daṇḍa
• Śāmba
• Maṇivaktra
• Yajña (sacrifice)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Yajña
• Ritual protection
• Dharma
• Puranic offices

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it records an early genealogical detail and assigns ritual-protective authority (yajña-rakṣā) to Āpa’s sons, emphasizing continuity of dharma through safeguarding sacrifices.

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

By highlighting “yajña-rakṣādhikāriṇaḥ,” the verse supports the broader Purāṇic ethic that society’s leaders and responsible householders must ensure sacrifices proceed without disruption—through protection, order (daṇḍa), and proper appointment of qualified guardians.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: these figures are designated protectors of yajñas, pointing to the institutional need for security and oversight in Vedic rites—an important theme behind later Matsya Purana discussions of correct ritual procedure and safeguarding sacred spaces.