Shloka 53

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

तत्र ते पुरुषाः श्वेता महासत्त्वा महाबलाः स्त्रियः कुमुदवर्णाभाः सुन्दर्यः प्रियदर्शनाः //

Transliteration

tatra te puruṣāḥ śvetā mahāsattvā mahābalāḥ striyaḥ kumudavarṇābhāḥ sundaryaḥ priyadarśanāḥ //

Translation

There, the men are radiant-white, of lofty nature and great strength; and the women, lotus-white in hue, are beautiful and delightful to behold.

Word by Word

• tatra: there

• te: those/they

• puruṣāḥ: men

• śvetāḥ: white, radiant

• mahāsattvāḥ: of great purity/nobility (great-souled)

• mahābalāḥ: very strong

• striyaḥ: women

• kumuda-varṇa-ābhāḥ: having the luster/color of the white lotus (kumuda)

• sundaryaḥ: beautiful

• priya-darśanāḥ: pleasing to look upon

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (narrating to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śvetadvīpa (White Island)
• Kumuda (white lotus)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Lokas
• Ideal beings
• Purity
• Puranic geography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya directly; it depicts an exalted realm (Śvetadvīpa) whose inhabitants embody purity and strength, serving as a cosmographic contrast to mortal worlds affected by cyclical dissolution.

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

By praising “mahāsattva” (noble purity) and “mahābala” (strength), the verse implicitly upholds the ideal that rulers and householders should cultivate inner purity, ethical character, and disciplined vigor—qualities repeatedly commended across the Matsya Purana’s dharma teachings.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual procedure is stated; the imagery of radiant whiteness and lotus-like brilliance is, however, a common purity-signifier that later informs temple/ritual aesthetics (śukla symbolism) in broader Purāṇic practice.