Shloka 63

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy

Devanagari script

परीक्षितः सुतो ऽसौ वै पौरवो जनमेजयः द्विर् अश्वमेधमाहृत्य महावाजसनेयकः //

Transliteration

parīkṣitaḥ suto 'sau vai pauravo janamejayaḥ dvir aśvamedhamāhṛtya mahāvājasaneyakaḥ //

Translation

Indeed, Janamejaya, the Paurava king, was the son of Parīkṣit; he performed the Aśvamedha sacrifice twice and became renowned as a great patron of the Vājasaneyi (Yajurvedic) tradition.

Word by Word

• परीक्षितः (parīkṣitaḥ): Parīkṣit

• सुतः (sutaḥ): son

• असौ (asau): this (person)

• वै (vai): indeed

• पौरवः (pauravaḥ): descendant of Puru / of the Paurava line

• जनमेजयः (janamejayaḥ): Janamejaya

• द्विः (dviḥ): twice

• अश्वमेधम् (aśvamedham): Aśvamedha (horse-sacrifice)

• आहृत्य (āhṛtya): having performed/undertaken (lit. having brought forth/obtained)

• महा- (mahā-): great

• वाजसनेयकः (vājasaneyakaḥ): connected with the Vājasaneyi recension/tradition (White Yajurveda), i.e., a great adherent/patron of that ritual school

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating genealogical tradition to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Parīkṣit
• Janamejaya
• Paurava (Puru lineage)
• Aśvamedha
• Vājasaneyi (Śukla Yajurveda)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Rajadharma
• Vedic Rituals
• Aśvamedha

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it focuses on dynastic history and the ritual achievements of King Janamejaya in the Paurava line.

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

It reflects the king’s dharma as guardian of Vedic order: supporting orthodox ritual lineages and performing major śrauta sacrifices (like Aśvamedha) to affirm sovereignty and public prosperity.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is central: Janamejaya is credited with performing Aśvamedha twice and being a major Vājasaneyi (Śukla Yajurveda) patron, indicating formal śrauta procedure and Vedic school affiliation.