Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

पर्वतप्रभवाभिश्च नदीभिस्तु समन्ततः प्रागायता महापार्श्वाः षडिमे वर्षपर्वताः //

Transliteration

parvataprabhavābhiśca nadībhistu samantataḥ prāgāyatā mahāpārśvāḥ ṣaḍime varṣaparvatāḥ //

Translation

Encircled on every side by rivers born of the mountains, these six Varṣa-mountains stretch eastward and possess vast flanks.

Word by Word

• parvata-prabhavābhiḥ: arising from mountains

• ca: and

• nadībhiḥ: by rivers

• tu: indeed

• samantataḥ: on all sides

• prāk-āyatāḥ: extending toward the east / eastward-stretching

• mahā-pārśvāḥ: having great sides/flanks

• ṣaṭ: six

• ime: these

• varṣa-parvatāḥ: the mountains that mark/divide the varṣas (regions).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Varṣa-parvatas
• Rivers (nadīs)
• Mountains (parvatas)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Jambudvipa
• Mountains
• Rivers

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it describes cosmic geography—how regional mountains (varṣa-parvatas) are bordered by river systems originating in mountains.

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

Indirectly, it frames the Purāṇic worldview in which kingship includes understanding and protecting the land—mountains and rivers as natural boundaries, resources, and sacred features to be honored and safeguarded.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but the emphasis on mountains and rivers as defining, life-giving features aligns with Vāstu and ritual preferences for auspicious water sources and stable natural boundaries when selecting sacred sites.