Shloka 40

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

योजनानां सहस्राणि चतुराशीतिसूच्छ्रितः प्रविष्टः षोडशाधस्ताद् अष्टाविंशतिविस्तृतः //

Transliteration

yojanānāṃ sahasrāṇi caturāśītisūcchritaḥ praviṣṭaḥ ṣoḍaśādhastād aṣṭāviṃśativistṛtaḥ //

Translation

Its height is described as eighty-four thousand yojanas; it extends sixteen yojanas downward, and its breadth is twenty-eight yojanas.

Word by Word

• yojanānām: of yojanas (a unit of distance)

• sahasrāṇi: thousands

• caturāśīti: eighty-four

• sūcchritaḥ (succhritaḥ): well-raised/highly elevated, in height

• praviṣṭaḥ: entered/penetrating/going in (i.e., extending)

• ṣoḍaśa: sixteen

• adhastāt: downward/below

• aṣṭāviṃśati: twenty-eight

• vistṛtaḥ: expanded/spread out, in breadth

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching as a reported dialogue tradition)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Measurements
• Sacred Geometry
• Temple Architecture
• Puranic Cosmography

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a technical statement of dimensions (height, downward extent, and breadth) expressed in yojanas, aligning more with cosmographic or architectural measurement traditions.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic governance and household duty by preserving standardized measures used for planning settlements, public works, and sacred constructions—key responsibilities in Purāṇic ideals of orderly rule.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It emphasizes pramāṇa (authoritative measurement): sacred structures or described forms are defined by height, depth, and breadth, a core Vastu principle for proportion, stability, and ritual correctness.