Shloka 101

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

जायमानास्तु पूर्वे वै पश्चिमानां गृहेषु ते पश्चिमाश्चैव पूर्वेषां जायन्ते निधनेष्विह //

Transliteration

jāyamānāstu pūrve vai paścimānāṃ gṛheṣu te paścimāścaiva pūrveṣāṃ jāyante nidhaneṣviha //

Translation

Those who were formerly (born earlier) are indeed born again in the households of those who come later; and those who were later are likewise born among the former—thus, here in this world, through death, births are exchanged again and again.

Word by Word

• jāyamānāḥ: being born

• tu: indeed/and

• pūrve: the earlier ones/former people

• vai: surely/indeed

• paścimānām: of the later ones/those who come afterward

• gṛheṣu: in the houses/households

• te: they

• paścimāḥ: the later ones

• ca eva: and indeed/also

• pūrveṣām: of the former ones

• jāyante: are born

• nidhaneṣu: in deaths/when death occurs (as the occasion leading to rebirth)

• iha: here (in this world).

Speaker

• Likely Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu on samsara and cyclical continuity

Tags

• Samsara
• Rebirth
• Genealogy
• Karma
• Mortality

FAQs

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

It does not describe cosmic Pralaya directly; it teaches a recurring cycle at the human level—death leading to rebirth—showing continuity through repeated embodiment rather than a one-time end.

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

It frames family and social roles as temporary across lifetimes, encouraging a king or householder to act with dharma, detachment, and responsibility—since today’s kin-relations can reverse through rebirth.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-building rule is stated; the ritual takeaway is ethical and contemplative—perform duties mindful of impermanence and the soul’s repeated entry into different households.