Shloka 27

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

महारथो मगधराड् विश्रुतो यो बृहद्रथः प्रत्यश्रवाः कुशश्चैव चतुर्थो हरिवाहनः //

Transliteration

mahāratho magadharāḍ viśruto yo bṛhadrathaḥ pratyaśravāḥ kuśaścaiva caturtho harivāhanaḥ //

Translation

The famed king of Magadha was Bṛhadratha, a great chariot-warrior. After him came Pratyaśravā, and also Kuśa; the fourth was Harivāhana.

Word by Word

• mahārathaḥ: a great chariot-warrior, mighty warrior

• magadharāṭ: king of Magadha

• viśrutaḥ: renowned, celebrated

• yaḥ: who

• bṛhadrathaḥ: (named) Bṛhadratha

• pratyaśravāḥ: (named) Pratyaśravā

• kuśaḥ: (named) Kuśa

• ca eva: and indeed/also

• caturthaḥ: the fourth (in succession)

• harivāhanaḥ: (named) Harivāhana

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Magadha
• Bṛhadratha
• Pratyaśravā
• Kuśa
• Harivāhana

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Magadha
• Kshatriya Kings
• Vamsha

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to the dynastic (vaṁśa) narration, listing successive kings of Magadha.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Matsya Purana’s rajadharma framework by preserving models of royal succession and legitimacy—genealogy is presented as part of righteous kingship and orderly transmission of rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No architectural (Vāstu) or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is purely genealogical, naming rulers in sequence.