Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Pṛthu

Devanagari script

पृथोरेवाभवद्यत्नात् ततः पृथुरजायत स विप्रैरभिषिक्तो ऽपि तपः कृत्वा सुदारुणम् //

Transliteration

pṛthorevābhavadyatnāt tataḥ pṛthurajāyata sa viprairabhiṣikto 'pi tapaḥ kṛtvā sudāruṇam //

Translation

Through Pṛthu’s own determined effort the accomplishment came to be; thereafter Pṛthu was born. And though consecrated by the Brahmins through abhiṣeka, he still undertook exceedingly severe austerity (tapas).

Word by Word

• pṛthoḥ: of Pṛthu

• eva: indeed/only

• abhavat: came to be/occurred

• yatnāt: through effort/endeavor

• tataḥ: thereafter/then

• pṛthuḥ: Pṛthu (the king)

• ajāyata: was born/arose

• saḥ: he

• vipraiḥ: by Brahmins

• abhiṣiktaḥ: consecrated/anointed (as king)

• api: even though

• tapaḥ: austerity/penance

• kṛtvā: having performed

• su-dāruṇam: very harsh/exceedingly severe

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) summarizing the royal lineage narration

Entities Mentioned

• Pṛthu
• Vipras (Brahmins)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Rajadharma
• Tapas
• Consecration
• Kingship

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it focuses on royal lineage and the ethic that even a crowned king may pursue rigorous tapas to secure prosperity and order.

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

It presents Pṛthu as an ideal ruler: kingship is ritually affirmed by Brahmin abhiṣeka, yet true authority is strengthened by personal discipline and austerity undertaken for the realm’s welfare.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual element is abhiṣeka (royal consecration by Brahmins); no Vāstu or temple-building rule is stated in this particular śloka.