Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — War of Devas and Asuras; Birth of Aurva Fire; Countering Tamasī Māyā through ...

Devanagari script

बहूनि विप्र गोत्राणि मुनीनां भावितात्मनाम् एकदेहानि तिष्ठन्ति विविक्तानि विना प्रजाः //

Transliteration

bahūni vipra gotrāṇi munīnāṃ bhāvitātmanām ekadehāni tiṣṭhanti viviktāni vinā prajāḥ //

Translation

O brāhmaṇa, many gotras (lineages) of self-disciplined sages continue as single-bodied (solitary) lines—dwelling in seclusion, without offspring.

Word by Word

• बहूनि: many

• विप्र: O brāhmaṇa / learned one

• गोत्राणि: gotras, lineages, clans

• मुनीनाम्: of sages

• भावितात्मनाम्: of those whose selves are cultivated/controlled (spiritually perfected)

• एकदेहानि: single-bodied, solitary (as a lone person/line)

• तिष्ठन्ति: remain, continue, stand

• विविक्तानि: secluded, solitary, apart

• विना: without

• प्रजाः: progeny, offspring, subjects

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) to Vaivasvata Manu (narration within the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Munis (sages)
• Gotras (lineages)
• Vipra (brāhmaṇa)

Tags

• Rishi lineages
• Tapas
• Renunciation
• Gotra tradition
• Ascetic life

FAQs

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

It does not directly describe Pralaya; it highlights how certain rishi-gotras persist through ascetic continuity—remaining secluded and not expanding through progeny.

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

It contrasts householders—who sustain society through progeny and social duties—with renunciant sages whose dharma is seclusion and self-cultivation; a king should protect and honor both orders appropriately.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vastu or temple rule appears; the ritual takeaway is the ideal of viveka/vivikta-vāsa (secluded dwelling) as a recognized ascetic mode within Purāṇic dharma.