Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Paurava Genealogy: Bharata

Devanagari script

भरतस्य विनष्टेषु तनयेषु पुरा किल पुत्राणां मातृकात् कोपात् सुमहान्संक्षयः कृतः //

Transliteration

bharatasya vinaṣṭeṣu tanayeṣu purā kila putrāṇāṃ mātṛkāt kopāt sumahānsaṃkṣayaḥ kṛtaḥ //

Translation

In ancient times, when Bharata’s sons had perished, a very great destruction was indeed brought about, arising from the wrath of the Mothers (Mātṛkās) against those sons.

Word by Word

• bharatasya: of Bharata

• vinaṣṭeṣu: when (they were) destroyed/perished

• tanayeṣu: sons

• purā: formerly/anciently

• kila: indeed/it is said

• putrāṇām: of the sons

• mātṛkāt: from/caused by the Mothers (Mātṛkās, divine mother-goddesses)

• kopāt: from anger/wrath

• su-mahān: very great

• saṁkṣayaḥ: destruction/ruin/extermination

• kṛtaḥ: was done/was caused

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (genealogical narration context)

Entities Mentioned

• Bharata
• Mātṛkās

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Puranic narrative
• Divine wrath
• Karma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about cosmic Pralaya; it describes a localized catastrophe—great destruction in a royal lineage—attributed to the wrath of the Mātṛkās.

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

Within dynasty narratives, the verse underscores that royal continuity and protection of progeny are vulnerable to adharma and divine displeasure; it implies that a king’s righteous conduct and proper observances are essential to safeguard family and kingdom.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or temple-architecture rule is stated directly; the ritual implication is the potency of the Mātṛkās and the need for proper propitiation/observance to avert destructive outcomes.