Matsya Purana — Dynastic Genealogies: Paurava–Anu Lines, Shloka 23

Devanagari script

सेनस्य सुतपा जज्ञे सुतपस्तनयो बलिः जातो मानुषयोन्यां तु क्षीणे वंशे प्रजेच्छया //

Transliteration

senasya sutapā jajñe sutapastanayo baliḥ jāto mānuṣayonyāṃ tu kṣīṇe vaṃśe prajecchayā //

Translation

Mula kay Sena ay isinilang si Sutapā; at mula kay Sutapā ay isinilang si Bali. Nang humina ang angkan ng mga hari, si Bali ay ipinanganak sa pagkataong-tao dahil sa kaloobang magtamo ng supling upang maipagpatuloy ang lahi.

Word by Word

• senasya: of Sena

• sutapā: Sutapā (proper name)

• jajñe: was born

• sutapas-tanayaḥ: the son of Sutapā

• baliḥ: Bali (proper name)

• jātaḥ: born

• mānuṣa-yonyām: in a human womb/among human birth

• tu: indeed/and

• kṣīṇe: when diminished, exhausted

• vaṃśe: the lineage/dynasty

• prajā-icchayā: by desire for offspring/progeny (for continuation of descendants)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating royal genealogy to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Sena
• Sutapā
• Bali

Tags

• Dynasties
• Genealogy
• Royal lineage
• Progeny
• Itihasa-Purana narrative

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purana’s genealogical narration, emphasizing continuity of kingship even when a dynasty becomes depleted.

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

By stressing birth “for the sake of progeny” when the lineage is diminished, the verse reflects a Purāṇic value: sustaining family and social order (praja/vaṃśa continuity) is a key responsibility aligned with dharma for householders and rulers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu, temple-building, or ritual procedure is specified in this verse; its focus is dynastic succession and the motivation of progeny to preserve a lineage.