Shloka 44

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

भद्राश्वं भारतं चैव केतुमालं च पश्चिमे उत्तराश्चैव कुरवः कृतपुण्यप्रतिश्रयाः //

Transliteration

bhadrāśvaṃ bhārataṃ caiva ketumālaṃ ca paścime uttarāścaiva kuravaḥ kṛtapuṇyapratiśrayāḥ //

Translation

Bhadrāśva and Bhārata, and also Ketumāla in the west; likewise the Northern Kurus—these are dwellings and sacred refuges for those whose merit has already been fulfilled.

Word by Word

• bhadrāśvam: Bhadrāśva (a varṣa/region)

• bhāratam: Bhārata (India, Bhārata-varṣa)

• ca eva: and indeed/also

• ketumālam: Ketumāla (a varṣa/region)

• ca: and

• paścime: in the west/western (region)

• uttarāḥ: northern

• ca eva: and also

• kuravaḥ: the Kurus (here, Uttara-kuru people/region)

• kṛta: accomplished/done

• puṇya: merit/virtue

• pratiśrayāḥ: refuges, resting-places, abodes, sanctuaries

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (cosmographic teaching context)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhadrāśva
• Bhārata
• Ketumāla
• Uttara-Kuru

Tags

• Cosmography
• Bhū-maṇḍala
• Jambūdvīpa
• Sacred Geography
• Puranic Regions

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to cosmography, listing earthly regions (varṣas) and describing them as merit-linked abodes rather than narrating dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it frames geography in moral terms: one’s puṇya (merit) determines one’s ‘abode’ or favorable realm, reinforcing the Purāṇic ethic that righteous conduct and dharma-oriented life lead to higher, auspicious stations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No Vāstu or ritual procedure is specified here; the significance is sacred geography—identifying regions revered in Purāṇic cosmology, often used as a backdrop for pilgrimage, cosmological teaching, and merit doctrine.