Shloka 23

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

Devanagari script

ध्रुवस्य कालः पुत्रस्तु वर्चाः सोमादजायत द्रविणो हव्यवाहश्च धरपुत्राव् उभौ स्मृतौ //

Transliteration

dhruvasya kālaḥ putrastu varcāḥ somādajāyata draviṇo havyavāhaśca dharaputrāv ubhau smṛtau //

Translation

Dhruva’s son was Kāla. From Soma was born Varcas. And Draviṇa and Havyavāha are both remembered as the sons of Dharā.

Word by Word

• ध्रुवस्य: of Dhruva

• कालः: Kāla (name of a son)

• पुत्रः: son

• तु: indeed/and

• वर्चाः: Varcas (a person named Varcas)

• सोमात्: from Soma

• अजायत: was born

• द्रविणः: Draviṇa (name)

• हव्यवाहः: Havyavāha (literally ‘carrier of oblations’, a name/epithet often associated with Agni)

• च: and

• धरपुत्रौ: the two sons of Dhara

• उभौ: both

• स्मृतौ: are remembered/are traditionally recorded

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) recounting the Purāṇic genealogy

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva
• Kāla
• Varcas
• Soma
• Draviṇa
• Havyavāha
• Dhara

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Puranic lineages
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Vaṁśānucarita

FAQs

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

This verse is genealogical and does not describe pralaya; it records lineages (vaṁśa) to preserve continuity of beings across cosmic ages.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal of dharma through lineage-memory: kings and householders are urged to maintain family continuity, honor ancestors, and preserve tradition through accurate genealogical remembrance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple rule is stated here; the only ritual hint is the name Havyavāha (“carrier of oblations”), which evokes the sacrificial fire (Agni) as a cultural-religious backdrop rather than a technical instruction.