Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — The Kauśika Descendants: Śrāddha

Devanagari script

तन्मध्ये ये तु निष्कामास् ते बभूवुर् द्विजोत्तमाः विभ्राजपुत्रस्त्वेको ऽभूद् ब्रह्मदत्त इति स्मृतः //

Transliteration

tanmadhye ye tu niṣkāmās te babhūvur dvijottamāḥ vibhrājaputrastveko 'bhūd brahmadatta iti smṛtaḥ //

Translation

Among them, those who were free from selfish desire became the foremost of the dvijas (the twice-born). And among the sons of Vibhrāja, one was renowned and remembered by the name Brahmadatta.

Word by Word

• tat-madhye: among them

• ye: those who

• tu: indeed

• niṣkāmāḥ: desireless, free from personal motive

• te: they

• babhūvuḥ: became

• dvija-uttamāḥ: the श्रेष्ठ (best) among the twice-born (Brahmins)

• vibhrāja-putraḥ: a son of Vibhrāja

• tu: indeed

• ekaḥ: one

• abhūt: was/became

• brahmadattaḥ: Brahmadatta (proper name, 'given by Brahmā')

• iti: thus

• smṛtaḥ: remembered/known in tradition

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vibhrāja
• Brahmadatta
• Dvija (twice-born)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Brahmin lineages
• Niṣkāma
• Puranic dynasties
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it is part of a genealogical-ethical note where desirelessness (niṣkāma) is presented as a mark of exemplary twice-born persons.

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

By praising niṣkāma conduct, the verse supports the broader Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should act without selfish attachment—protecting, giving, and performing duties for dharma rather than personal gain.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple-ritual rule appears here; the verse functions mainly as a genealogical identification (Brahmadatta, son in Vibhrāja’s line) with an ethical qualifier (niṣkāma).