Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — The Syamantaka Jewel Episode and the Vrishni–Sainya Genealogies

Devanagari script

ततः स जाम्बवन्तं तं हत्वा चक्रेण वै प्रभुः कृतकर्मा महाबाहुः सकन्यं मणिमाहरत् //

Transliteration

tataḥ sa jāmbavantaṃ taṃ hatvā cakreṇa vai prabhuḥ kṛtakarmā mahābāhuḥ sakanyaṃ maṇimāharat //

Translation

Then the Lord, the mighty-armed one, having accomplished his purpose, slew that Jāmbavān with the discus, and brought back the jewel—together with his daughter.

Word by Word

• tataḥ: then/thereupon

• saḥ: he

• jāmbavantam: Jāmbavān (the bear-king)

• tam: that (one)

• hatvā: having slain

• cakreṇa: with the discus (cakra)

• vai: indeed

• prabhuḥ: the Lord

• kṛta-karmā: one whose task is fulfilled/accomplished

• mahā-bāhuḥ: mighty-armed

• sa-kanyām: along with (his) daughter

• maṇim: the jewel/precious gem

• āharat: brought/returned/recovered

Speaker

• Sūta/Pauraṇika narrator (within the Matsya Purana’s continuous narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Jāmbavān
• Prabhu (the Lord)
• Cakra (discus)
• Maṇi (jewel)
• Kanyā (daughter)

Tags

• Avatara
• DivineWeapon
• ManiRecovery
• HeroicDeeds
• PuranaNarrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya or cosmology; it focuses on a heroic, avatāra-style exploit—defeat of a powerful figure and recovery of a sacred jewel.

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

Indirectly, it models decisive action to restore what is rightfully recovered and to complete one’s appointed duty (kṛtakarmā)—a kingly ideal of protecting order and retrieving stolen or lost treasures.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure appears in this verse; its significance is primarily narrative and theological, highlighting the chakra as a divine instrument and the recovery of a valued mani.