Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Pṛthu

Devanagari script

सुनीथा नाम तस्यास्तु वेनो नाम सुतः पुरा अधर्मनिरतश्चासीद् बलवान् वसुधाधिपः //

Transliteration

sunīthā nāma tasyāstu veno nāma sutaḥ purā adharmanirataścāsīd balavān vasudhādhipaḥ //

Translation

Her name was Sunīthā; and in former times her son was named Vena. He was devoted to unrighteousness, yet powerful as a lord of the earth.

Word by Word

• सुनीथा (sunīthā): Sunīthā (proper name)

• नाम (nāma): named

• तस्याः (tasyāḥ): of her

• अस्तु (astu): indeed/was

• वेनः (venaḥ): Vena (proper name)

• नाम (nāma): named

• सुतः (sutaḥ): son

• पुरा (purā): formerly/in ancient times

• अधर्म-निरतः (adharma-nirataḥ): devoted to adharma/unrighteousness

• च (ca): and

• आसीत् (āsīt): was

• बलवान् (balavān): powerful

• वसुधा-अधिपः (vasudhādhipaḥ): ruler/lord of the earth (king).

Speaker

• Suta/Narrator (Puranic narrator continuing the royal genealogy)

Entities Mentioned

• Sunitha
• Vena

Tags

• Dynasties
• Ancient Indian genealogy
• Kingship
• Adharma
• Rajavamsa

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to the dynastic narrative, introducing Vena as a powerful king inclined toward adharma.

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

By contrasting royal power with devotion to adharma, it implies that kingship is not validated by strength alone—righteous conduct (dharma) is essential for legitimate rule in the Matsya Purana’s ethical framing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is mentioned; the verse functions as a genealogical and moral characterization within the royal lineage account.