Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Jambūdvīpa: Varṣas

Devanagari script

योजनानां सहस्राणि शतं द्वीपस्य विस्तरः नानाजनपदाकीर्णं पुरैश्च विविधैः शुभैः //

Transliteration

yojanānāṃ sahasrāṇi śataṃ dvīpasya vistaraḥ nānājanapadākīrṇaṃ puraiśca vividhaiḥ śubhaiḥ //

Translation

The expanse of that island-continent is one hundred thousand yojanas; it is filled with many provinces (janapadas) and adorned with various auspicious cities.

Word by Word

• yojanānām: of yojanas (units of distance)

• sahasrāṇi: thousands

• śatam: a hundred

• dvīpasya: of the dvīpa (island-continent)

• vistaraḥ: extent/width/expanse

• nānā: many/various

• janapada: province/realm/country-district

• ākīrṇam: crowded with/filled with

• puraiḥ: with cities/towns

• ca: and

• vividhaiḥ: diverse/variegated

• śubhaiḥ: auspicious/fortunate/beautiful

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual cosmography instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Dvīpa
• Janapada
• Pura

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Dvīpa
• Janapada
• Puranic Measurements

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it belongs to cosmographical description, giving the measured extent of a dvīpa and noting its populated provinces and auspicious cities.

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

By emphasizing janapadas and well-situated cities, it indirectly supports the king’s duty to organize territory, protect settled regions, and maintain prosperous urban centers—key concerns in Purāṇic statecraft.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse highlights “śubha” (auspicious) cities, aligning with Vāstu-oriented ideals of well-planned settlements; it frames cities as auspicious outcomes of proper siting and orderly habitation rather than giving a specific building rule.