Shloka 44

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

तत्तस्य शंतनुत्वं हि प्रजाभिरिह कीर्त्यते ततो ऽवृणुत भार्यार्थं शंतनुर्जाह्नवीं नृप //

Transliteration

tattasya śaṃtanutvaṃ hi prajābhiriha kīrtyate tato 'vṛṇuta bhāryārthaṃ śaṃtanurjāhnavīṃ nṛpa //

Translation

Therefore his very name “Śaṃtanu” is celebrated here by the people; and then, O king, Śaṃtanu chose Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā) as his wife.

Word by Word

• tat: therefore/that

• tasya: of him

• śaṃtanutvam: the state/quality signified by the name Śaṃtanu (peaceful, conciliatory nature)

• hi: indeed

• prajābhiḥ: by the subjects/people

• iha: here (in this account/world)

• kīrtyate: is praised/celebrated

• tataḥ: then/thereafter

• avṛṇuta: chose/accepted (as spouse)

• bhāryārtham: for the purpose of (taking) a wife

• śaṃtanuḥ: King Śaṃtanu

• jāhnavīm: Jāhnavī, i.e., the river-goddess Gaṅgā

• nṛpa: O king.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Shantanu
• Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Chandravamsa
• Royal Marriage
• Itihasa

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it belongs to a dynastic narrative, explaining how King Śaṃtanu’s name is praised and stating his marriage to Jāhnavī (Gaṅgā).

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

It reflects the royal-householder duty of establishing a lawful household through marriage; a king’s choice of consort supports dynastic continuity and social order (prajā-stability) emphasized in Purāṇic statecraft narratives.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; its focus is genealogical—name-fame among subjects and the king’s selection of Gaṅgā as queen.