Shloka 37

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

परिमण्डलयोर्मध्ये मेरुः कनकपर्वतः चातुर्वर्ण्यसमो वर्णैश् चतुरस्रः समुच्छ्रितः //

Transliteration

parimaṇḍalayormadhye meruḥ kanakaparvataḥ cāturvarṇyasamo varṇaiś caturasraḥ samucchritaḥ //

Translation

Between the two circular regions stands Meru, the golden mountain—lofty and four-sided—its hues corresponding to the four varṇas.

Word by Word

परिमण्डलयोःof the two circular regions/spheres

मध्येin the middle

मेरुः(Mount) Meru

कनक-पर्वतःthe golden mountain

चातुर्वर्ण्य-समःcorresponding to the four varṇas

वर्णैःby (its) colors/hues

चतुरस्रःfour-sided, quadrangular

समुच्छ्रितःvery lofty, towering

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, cosmographic instruction context)

Entities Mentioned

Mount MeruCāturvarṇya (four varṇas)

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it presents the stable cosmic geography of Meru as the central axis between circular regions, a framework often assumed even when Purāṇas later discuss cycles of dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that social order (cāturvarṇya) mirrors cosmic order; a king preserves dharma by maintaining harmony among the varṇas just as the cosmos is described as structured and proportioned.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Meru’s ‘central’ and ‘four-sided’ form echoes mandala-based planning: sacred layouts often use a central axis and quadrangular geometry, aligning ritual space with cosmic symbolism (a key idea used in Vastu and temple design).