Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

एते पर्वतराजानः सिद्धचारणसेविताः तेषामन्तरविष्कम्भो नवसाहस्रमुच्यते //

Transliteration

ete parvatarājānaḥ siddhacāraṇasevitāḥ teṣāmantaraviṣkambho navasāhasramucyate //

Translation

These royal mountains are attended by Siddhas and Cāraṇas; the breadth of the intervening space between them is said to be nine thousand (yojanas).

Word by Word

• एते: these

• पर्वतराजानः: kings among mountains, great mountains

• सिद्धचारणसेविताः: served/visited by Siddhas and Cāraṇas (celestial perfected beings and bards)

• तेषाम्: of them

• अन्तर: between, intermediate space

• विष्कम्भः: breadth, diameter, width (measure)

• नवसाहस्रम्: nine thousand

• उच्यते: is said, is stated

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s cosmographical account)

Entities Mentioned

• Siddhas
• Cāraṇas
• Parvatarājas (great mountains)

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Cosmography
• Puranic Measurements
• Mountains
• Yojana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to a cosmographical description, emphasizing the ordered layout and measured distances within the Purāṇic world-system.

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

Indirectly, it reflects the Purāṇic ideal of maintaining order through correct knowledge (śāstra): rulers and householders support dharma by preserving traditional learning, including sacred geography and standardized measures.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key technical term is viṣkambha (breadth/diameter), a measurement concept also used in Vāstu and temple planning; the verse reinforces the importance of precise traditional units (e.g., yojana) when describing sacred space.