Shloka 22

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

जम्बूद्वीपस्य विस्तारस् तेषामायाम उच्यते नीलश्च निषधश्चैव तेषां हीनाश्च ये परे //

Transliteration

jambūdvīpasya vistāras teṣāmāyāma ucyate nīlaśca niṣadhaścaiva teṣāṃ hīnāśca ye pare //

Translation

The breadth of Jambūdvīpa and the length of those regions are being described. Among its ranges are the Nīla and Niṣadha mountains, and also those other ranges that are smaller than them.

Word by Word

• jambūdvīpasya: of Jambūdvīpa

• vistāraḥ: breadth/extent

• teṣām: of those (regions/tracts mentioned in context)

• āyāmaḥ: length/longitudinal measure

• ucyate: is said/is being described

• nīlaḥ: the Nīla (mountain range)

• ca: and

• niṣadhaḥ: the Niṣadha (mountain range)

• caiva: and indeed/also

• teṣām: of them/of those

• hīnāḥ: lesser/smaller

• ca: and

• ye: which

• pare: others/remaining

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Jambūdvīpa
• Nīla mountain
• Niṣadha mountain

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Jambudvipa
• Puranic Geography
• Mountains

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the cosmography section, outlining the measured extent of Jambūdvīpa and naming major mountain ranges.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that rulers and householders should understand sacred geography—pilgrimage routes, boundary notions, and the cosmic order (dharma) reflected in the world’s layout.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, Purāṇic cosmography often informs temple symbolism (mountain/axis imagery) and ritual mapping of space, where major mountains represent cosmic structuring principles.