Shloka 15

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

अथ चैद्यवराद्विद्वान् सुदासस्तस्य चात्मजः अजमीढः पुनर्जातः क्षीणे वंशे तु सोमकः //

Transliteration

atha caidyavarādvidvān sudāsastasya cātmajaḥ ajamīḍhaḥ punarjātaḥ kṣīṇe vaṃśe tu somakaḥ //

Translation

Then, from Caidyavara was born the wise Sudāsa, and his son was Ajāmīḍha. When that lineage had dwindled, Somaka was born again as a restorer of the line.

Word by Word

• atha: then

• caidyavarāt: from Caidyavara (a progenitor/ancestor)

• vidvān: wise, learned

• sudāsaḥ: Sudāsa (a king)

• tasya: of him

• ca: and

• ātmajaḥ: son

• ajamīḍhaḥ: Ajāmīḍha (a royal descendant)

• punaḥ: again

• jātaḥ: born

• kṣīṇe: when diminished/declined

• vaṃśe: in the lineage/dynasty

• tu: indeed

• somakaḥ: Somaka (a king, restorer figure in genealogy)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Caidyavara
• Sudāsa
• Ajāmīḍha
• Somaka

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal Lineage
• Puranic History
• Kshatriya Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is genealogical, not cosmogonic: it does not describe pralaya, but highlights continuity after decline—how a royal line is restored when it has become “kṣīṇa” (dwindled).

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

By emphasizing succession and restoration of a weakened dynasty, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of kṣatriya responsibility: preserving social order through legitimate lineage, capable heirs, and the continuity of righteous rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is purely vaṁśānucarita (dynastic narration) used to anchor dharma and history in named royal successions.