Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

महिषी त्व् अजमीढस्य धूमिनी पुत्रवर्धिनी पुत्राभावे तपस्तेपे शतं वर्षाणि दुश्चरम् //

Transliteration

mahiṣī tv ajamīḍhasya dhūminī putravardhinī putrābhāve tapastepe śataṃ varṣāṇi duścaram //

Translation

Ajāmīḍha’s queen was Dhūminī, famed as an increaser of progeny. Yet when she was without a son, she undertook severe austerities for a hundred years.

Word by Word

• mahīṣī: chief queen/consort

• tu (tv): indeed/and

• ajamīḍhasya: of Ajamīḍha

• dhūminī: Dhūminī (proper name)

• putra-vardhinī: increaser of sons/progeny

• putra-abhāve: in the absence of a son/when sonless

• tapas tepe (tapastepe): performed austerity/undertook penance

• śatam: one hundred

• varṣāṇi: years

• duścaram: difficult to perform/severe (austerity).

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) recounting dynastic history

Entities Mentioned

• Ajamīḍha
• Dhūminī

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Tapas
• Royal lineage
• Puranic history

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it belongs to the genealogical narrative, highlighting how austerity (tapas) is used to secure continuity of lineage.

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

It reflects the Purāṇic ideal of sustaining family and dynasty: when progeny is lacking, disciplined vows and tapas are portrayed as legitimate means to fulfill household and royal responsibilities.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is the emphasis on long, severe tapas as a sanctioned religious practice aimed at obtaining a desired outcome (here, progeny).