Shloka 74

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

मिथुनानि प्रजायन्ते स्त्रियश्चाप्सरसोपमाः तेषां ते क्षीरिणां क्षीरं पिबन्ति ह्यमृतोपमम् //

Transliteration

mithunāni prajāyante striyaścāpsarasopamāḥ teṣāṃ te kṣīriṇāṃ kṣīraṃ pibanti hyamṛtopamam //

Translation

There, pairs are born, and the women are like celestial apsarases. Those milk-giving beings drink milk that is like nectar, akin to amṛta.

Word by Word

• mithunāni: pairs/couples

• prajāyante: are born/come into being

• striyaḥ: women

• ca: and

• apsarasa-upamāḥ: comparable to apsarases (celestial nymphs)

• teṣām: of them/their

• te: those

• kṣīriṇām: of the milk-giving ones/possessors of milk

• kṣīram: milk

• pibanti: drink

• hi: indeed

• amṛta-upamam: comparable to nectar/ambrosia

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Apsaras

Tags

• Creation
• Cosmology
• Heavenly realms
• Prosperity
• Puranic anthropology

FAQs

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

It depicts a created, flourishing realm where beings arise in pairs and enjoy nectar-like nourishment; it reflects post-creation abundance rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it presents an ideal of orderly generation (pairs, family formation) and well-being; in Purāṇic ethics this supports the householder’s dharma of sustaining lineage and providing wholesome sustenance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure appears here; the verse is primarily cosmological, emphasizing divine-like beauty and अमृतोपम (nectar-like) sustenance as markers of an auspicious realm.