Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

श्यामपर्वतवर्षं तद् अनीचकम् इति स्मृतम् आनन्दकमिति प्रोक्तं तदेव मुनिभिः शुभम् //

Transliteration

śyāmaparvatavarṣaṃ tad anīcakam iti smṛtam ānandakamiti proktaṃ tadeva munibhiḥ śubham //

Translation

That region known as Śyāmaparvata-varṣa is remembered by the name Anīcaka; the very same land is also called Ānandaka—so declared by the sages—as an auspicious place.

Word by Word

• śyāma-parvata-varṣam: the country/region called Śyāmaparvata-varṣa

• tat: that

• anīcakam: (named) Anīcaka

• iti: thus

• smṛtam: remembered/traditionally known

• ānandakam: (named) Ānandaka

• iti: thus

• proktam: stated/declared

• tad eva: that very same (region)

• munibhiḥ: by sages

• śubham: auspicious/fortunate/sacred

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, geographic narration style)

Entities Mentioned

• Śyāmaparvata-varṣa
• Anīcaka
• Ānandaka
• Munis (sages)

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Varsha Names
• Puranic Toponymy
• Auspicious Places
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it preserves traditional sacred-geographic naming, presenting a region as auspicious through the authority of sages.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic life by identifying an auspicious region recognized by tradition—useful for kings and householders when choosing places for settlement, rites, patronage, or pilgrimage.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu rule is stated; the key ritual takeaway is that the land is called “auspicious” (śubham), implying suitability for sacred acts, foundations, and merit-gaining observances.