Shloka 36

Matsya Purana — The Tale of Brahmadatta: Past-life Memory

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मदत्तादयस्तस्मिन् पितृसक्ता विमत्सराः संनतिश्चाभवद्भ्रष्टा मयैतत्किल कारितम् //

Transliteration

brahmadattādayastasmin pitṛsaktā vimatsarāḥ saṃnatiścābhavadbhraṣṭā mayaitatkila kāritam //

Translation

Brahmadatta and the others there became devoted to their forefathers and free from envy; and (yet) the proper order of deference/discipline became disrupted—this, indeed, was brought about by me.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मदत्तादयः (brahmadattādayaḥ): Brahmadatta and others

• तस्मिन् (tasmin): in that (situation/realm)

• पितृसक्ताः (pitṛsaktāḥ): attached/devoted to the Pitṛs (ancestors)

• विमत्सराः (vimatsarāḥ): without jealousy, non-envious

• संनतिः (saṃnatiḥ): bowing down, deference, proper submission (also: orderly humility/discipline)

• च (ca): and

• अभवत् (abhavat): became/occurred

• भ्रष्टा (bhraṣṭā): fallen, disturbed, deviated

• मया (mayā): by me

• एतत् (etat): this

• किल (kila): indeed, it is said/forsooth

• कारितम् (kāritam): caused to be done, brought about.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) narrating to Vaivasvata Manu (probable dialogue frame in early Matsya Purana chapters)

Entities Mentioned

• Brahmadatta
• Pitṛs (Ancestors)

Tags

• Genealogy
• Ancestors (Pitṛs)
• Royal narrative
• Dharma
• Ethics (non-envy)

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights moral-psychological conditions—devotion to ancestors and absence of envy—alongside a disruption of proper order, framed as something ‘caused’ by the narrator.

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

It foregrounds two key dharmic virtues relevant to rulers and householders: honoring the Pitṛs (through remembrance and rites) and being vimatsara (free from envy). It also warns that social discipline and respectful conduct (saṃnati) can be disturbed, implying vigilance in maintaining ethical order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated here; the ritual cue is Pitṛ-orientation—an emphasis consistent with śrāddha/ancestral observances and the broader Matsya Purana focus on dharma and rite.