Shloka 4

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

Devanagari script

यमश्च यमुना चैव यमलौ तु बभूवतुः ततस्तेजोमयं रूपम् असहन्ती विवस्वतः //

Transliteration

yamaśca yamunā caiva yamalau tu babhūvatuḥ tatastejomayaṃ rūpam asahantī vivasvataḥ //

Translation

Thus were born the twins—Yama and Yamunā. Thereafter, being unable to endure the blazing, radiant form of Vivasvān (the Sun), (she) withdrew in search of relief.

Word by Word

• यमः (yamaḥ): Yama, lord of restraint/death

• च (ca): and

• यमुना (yamunā): Yamunā (river-goddess)

• च एव (caiva): and indeed

• यमलौ (yamalau): the twin pair

• तु (tu): then/indeed

• बभूवतुः (babhūvatuḥ): were born/came to be (dual)

• ततः (tataḥ): thereafter

• तेजोमयम् (tejo-mayam): made of radiance, fiery

• रूपम् (rūpam): form

• असहन्ती (asahantī): not bearing, unable to endure

• विवस्वतः (vivasvataḥ): of Vivasvān, the Sun-god

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, narrating Purāṇic genealogy)

Entities Mentioned

• Yama
• Yamunā
• Vivasvān (Sūrya)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Solar Dynasty
• Deities
• Puranic Narrative
• Origins

FAQs

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

This verse is genealogical rather than pralaya-focused: it records the birth of the twins Yama and Yamunā and highlights the unbearable solar radiance of Vivasvān, a motif used to explain subsequent events in the lineage narrative.

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

By introducing Yama—associated with dharma, restraint, and moral order—the verse indirectly frames the ethical backdrop of kingship and household life: rule and conduct are measured against dharma, for which Yama becomes a cosmic exemplar and enforcer in later tradition.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-rule instruction appears in this verse; its ritual takeaway is indirect—invocation of solar brilliance (tejas) and deities like Sūrya/Yama often underlies later rites, but this line itself is primarily narrative-genealogical.