Shloka 49

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

तत्र ते शुभकर्माणः केतुमालाः परिश्रुताः तत्र कालानलाः सर्वे महासत्त्वा महाबलाः //

Transliteration

tatra te śubhakarmāṇaḥ ketumālāḥ pariśrutāḥ tatra kālānalāḥ sarve mahāsattvā mahābalāḥ //

Translation

There, the people of Ketumāla are famed for their auspicious deeds; and there, all the Kālānalas are mighty beings—great in spirit and great in strength.

Word by Word

• tatra: there (in that region)

• te: those (people/beings)

• śubha-karmāṇaḥ: doers of auspicious deeds, virtuous in conduct

• ketumālāḥ: the inhabitants of Ketumāla (Ketumāla-varṣa)

• pariśrutāḥ: widely heard of, celebrated, renowned

• kālānalāḥ: the Kālānalas (a named class/tribe of beings)

• sarve: all

• mahā-sattvāḥ: great beings, noble/heroic in nature

• mahā-balāḥ: very strong, of great power

Speaker

• Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s cosmography)

Entities Mentioned

• Ketumāla
• Kālānalas

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Cosmography
• Jambudvipa
• Puranic Peoples
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to cosmographic description, emphasizing the moral qualities and strength of beings inhabiting a specific region (Ketumāla).

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

By praising śubha-karma (auspicious, righteous action) as what makes a community ‘renowned,’ it indirectly supports the Matsya Purana’s ethical theme that rulers and householders should cultivate dharmic conduct to establish lasting fame and social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated here; the verse is primarily descriptive of regional inhabitants. Its takeaway is cultural: sacred geography is mapped not only by places but by the virtues attributed to their residents.