Shloka 50

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

स्त्रियश् चोत्पलवर्णाभाः सुन्दर्यः प्रियदर्शनाः तत्र दिव्यो महावृक्षः पनसः पत्त्रभासुरः //

Transliteration

striyaś cotpalavarṇābhāḥ sundaryaḥ priyadarśanāḥ tatra divyo mahāvṛkṣaḥ panasaḥ pattrabhāsuraḥ //

Translation

There were women there, lotus-hued in complexion—beautiful and delightful to behold. In that place stood a divine, great tree: a jackfruit tree (panasa), radiant with shining leaves.

Word by Word

• स्त्रियः: women

• च: and

• उत्पल-वर्ण-आभाः: having the lustre/color of a blue lotus

• सुन्दर्यः: beautiful women

• प्रिय-दर्शनाः: pleasing to see, lovely in appearance

• तत्र: there

• दिव्यः: divine, celestial

• महा-वृक्षः: great tree

• पनसः: jackfruit tree (Artocarpus heterophyllus)

• पत्त्र-भासुरः: resplendent with leaves, leaf-radiant

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) relaying the Matsya Purana’s description (contextually within the Matsya–Manu dialogue cycle)

Entities Mentioned

• Panasa (jackfruit tree)
• Utpala (blue lotus)

Tags

• Sacred geography
• Celestial description
• Puranic imagery
• Nature symbolism
• Aesthetic praise

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights a perfected, divine environment—beauty, auspicious beings, and a radiant sacred tree—often used in the Purana to contrast with worldly impermanence.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purana’s ideal of cultivating auspicious, orderly, and beautiful spaces—an ethical-aesthetic duty for householders and rulers who maintain prosperity, harmony, and sacred ambience in their domains.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The mention of an auspicious, radiant tree (panasa) supports the broader Vastu/ritual idea that sacred or well-planned spaces feature beneficent vegetation and pleasing sightlines—elements considered conducive to prosperity and sanctity.