Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

पार्श्वमुत्तरतस्तस्य रक्तवर्णं स्वभावतः तेनास्य क्षत्रभावः स्याद् इति वर्णाः प्रकीर्तिताः //

Transliteration

pārśvamuttaratastasya raktavarṇaṃ svabhāvataḥ tenāsya kṣatrabhāvaḥ syād iti varṇāḥ prakīrtitāḥ //

Translation

On his northern side, the flank is naturally red in color; therefore it is said that a Kṣatriya disposition arises in him—thus the varṇas are described.

Word by Word

• pārśvam: flank/side

• uttarataḥ: on the northern side/from the north

• tasya: of him/of that (person)

• rakta-varṇam: red-colored/red hue

• svabhāvataḥ: by nature/inherently

• tena: therefore/by that (sign)

• asya: in him/of this person

• kṣatra-bhāvaḥ: Kṣatriya-nature/warrior disposition

• syāt: would be/is to be

• iti: thus

• varṇāḥ: social classes/varṇas

• prakīrtitāḥ: are proclaimed/are described.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kshatriya
• Varna

Tags

• Varna-Dharma
• Physiognomy
• Kshatriya
• Social Order
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it focuses on dharma-oriented classification, describing a bodily sign associated with Kṣatriya disposition.

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

By linking a “Kṣatra-bhāva” (warrior/royal temperament) to recognizable traits, the text frames kingship and governance as a dharmic role rooted in qualities—implying that protection, rule, and disciplined strength are appropriate where Kṣatriya nature is present.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is part of a dharma/varṇa-lakṣaṇa discussion rather than temple architecture rules.