Shloka 1

Matsya Purana — Solar Dynasty Prelude: Vivasvān–Saṃjñā–Chāyā

Devanagari script

*ऋषय ऊचुः आदित्यवंशमखिलं वद सूत यथाक्रमम् सोमवंशं च तत्त्वज्ञ यथावद्वक्तुमर्हसि //

Transliteration

*ṛṣaya ūcuḥ ādityavaṃśamakhilaṃ vada sūta yathākramam somavaṃśaṃ ca tattvajña yathāvadvaktumarhasi //

Translation

The sages said: “O Sūta, please narrate in due order the entire lineage of the descendants of Āditya, the Solar dynasty. And, O knower of truth, you should also properly relate the lineage of Soma, the Lunar dynasty, as is fitting.”

Word by Word

• ऋषयः: the sages

• ऊचुः: said

• आदित्यवंशम्: the Solar dynasty (lineage of Āditya)

• अखिलम्: entire, complete

• वद: tell, narrate

• सूत: O Sūta (the narrator)

• यथाक्रमम्: in proper sequence

• सोमवंशम्: the Lunar dynasty (lineage of Soma)

• च: and

• तत्त्वज्ञ: O knower of truth/reality

• यथावत्: correctly, duly, in proper manner

• वक्तुम्: to speak, to narrate

• अर्हसि: you are worthy/you ought (it is proper for you).

Speaker

• The sages (Ṛṣis)

Entities Mentioned

• Suta
• Aditya (Solar dynasty)
• Soma (Lunar dynasty)
• Rishis (sages)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Solar dynasty
• Lunar dynasty
• Itihasa-Purana narration

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it introduces a genealogical narration request—asking for the Solar and Lunar dynastic lineages in proper order.

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

By requesting accurate dynastic history, the sages signal the Purāṇic method of teaching dharma through royal lineages—where exemplary kings and their conduct become models for righteous rule and social duty.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is mentioned in this verse; it functions as a transition into the Purāṇa’s genealogical (vaṃśānucarita) section.