Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Karmic Cause of Purūravas’ Beauty and Fortune

Devanagari script

श्रुत्वा रूपं नरेन्द्रस्य बुधपुत्रस्य केशव कौतूहलं समुत्पन्नं तन्ममाचक्ष्व पृच्छतः //

Transliteration

śrutvā rūpaṃ narendrasya budhaputrasya keśava kautūhalaṃ samutpannaṃ tanmamācakṣva pṛcchataḥ //

Translation

O Keśava, having heard of the beauty and form of that king—the son of Budha—great curiosity has arisen in me. Tell me about him, as I ask.

Word by Word

• श्रुत्वा: having heard

• रूपम्: form, beauty, appearance

• नरेन्द्रस्य: of the king (lord of men)

• बुधपुत्रस्य: of Budha’s son

• केशव: O Keśava (Vishnu)

• कौतूहलम्: curiosity, wonder

• समुत्पन्नम्: has arisen

• तत्: that (matter/account)

• मम: to me / for me

• आचक्ष्व: tell, narrate, explain

• पृच्छतः: of (one who is) asking / as I ask

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquirer) addressing Lord Matsya/Keśava as the narrator

Entities Mentioned

• Keśava
• Budha
• Budha-putra (Budha’s son)
• Narendra (the king)

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal Narratives
• Curiosity/Inquiry
• Pururavas Context

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it marks a shift into dynastic narration where Manu’s curiosity prompts Keśava to recount a royal lineage and the famed king’s qualities.

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

Indirectly, it frames the Purāṇic method of teaching dharma through exemplars: by requesting an account of a renowned king, Manu seeks models of ideal conduct, lineage, and royal virtues that guide rulers and householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated in this verse; it functions as a narrative prompt introducing a genealogical/royal episode rather than temple-building or rite-specific instruction.