Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

महाभूमिप्रमाणं च लोकालोकस्तथैव च पर्याप्तिं परिमाणं च गतिश्चन्द्रार्कयोस्तथा //

Transliteration

mahābhūmipramāṇaṃ ca lokālokastathaiva ca paryāptiṃ parimāṇaṃ ca gatiścandrārkayostathā //

Translation

“(I shall describe) the vast measure of the Earth, and likewise the Lokāloka (mountain boundary); its extent and dimensions, and also the courses (motions) of the Moon and the Sun.”

Word by Word

• mahā-bhūmi: the great earth (vast terrestrial realm)

• pramāṇam: measure, standard of dimension

• ca: and

• lokālokaḥ: Lokāloka (the mountain/limit separating the world of light from darkness)

• tathā eva: likewise, in the same way

• paryāptim: extent, full spread, sufficiency/total reach

• parimāṇam: size, quantitative dimension

• ca: and

• gatiḥ: movement, course, path

• candra-arkayoḥ: of the Moon and the Sun

• tathā: also, in that manner

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, cosmological instruction section)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokāloka
• Chandra (Moon)
• Arka/Surya (Sun)
• Mahābhūmi (Earth)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sacred Geography
• Astronomy
• Puranic Measures
• Lokāloka

FAQs

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

This verse does not narrate Pralaya directly; it introduces a cosmographical-astronomical exposition—measures of the Earth and the Lokāloka boundary, and the regular motions of the Sun and Moon—topics often used in Purāṇas to frame cosmic order rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly: by establishing cosmic order (measures, boundaries, celestial motions), the text supports dhārmic governance and calendrical timing—kings and householders rely on solar-lunar motions for festivals, rites, taxation seasons, and auspicious scheduling.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the Sun–Moon ‘gati’ underpins tithi, nakṣatra, and timing of yajñas and vratas; architecturally, such cosmological directions and celestial regularity inform temple orientation and ritual space symbolism (though no specific Vāstu rule is stated in this verse).