Shloka 47

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

Devanagari script

अज्ञातसमयो राजा इलः शरवणे पुरा स्त्रीत्वमाप विशन्न् एव वडबात्वं हयस्तदा //

Transliteration

ajñātasamayo rājā ilaḥ śaravaṇe purā strītvamāpa viśann eva vaḍabātvaṃ hayastadā //

Translation

Unaware of the sacred restriction of time and place, King Ila once entered the Śaravaṇa grove; and at that very moment he attained womanhood, while his horse then became a mare.

Word by Word

• ajñāta-samayaḥ: unaware of the prescribed rule/occasion

• rājā: the king

• ilaḥ: (King) Ila

• śaravaṇe: in the reed-grove/thicket of reeds

• purā: formerly/once

• strītvam: the state of being a woman

• āpa: attained

• viśan: entering

• eva: indeed/at once

• vaḍabātvam: the state of being a mare

• hayaḥ: the horse

• tadā: then/at that time

Speaker

• Sūta (Purāṇic narrator) summarizing the Ila episode within the dynastic narrative

Entities Mentioned

• King Ila

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Ila
• Transformation
• Puranic narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it belongs to a dynastic narrative illustrating how violating or unknowingly entering a restricted sacred space/time can trigger extraordinary consequences.

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

It underscores vigilance regarding dharmic boundaries—kings are expected to know and respect sacred prohibitions (kāla-deśa-niyama), since careless entry into restricted zones can bring personal and political disruption.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is the idea of a restricted sacred precinct (a place governed by specific rules); while not Vāstu-technical, it echoes Purāṇic emphasis on observing site-based prohibitions when entering consecrated or specially regulated areas.