Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

सोमकस्य शुभं वर्षं विज्ञेयं कुसुमोत्करम् तदेवासितम् इत्युक्तं वर्षं सोमकसंज्ञितम् //

Transliteration

somakasya śubhaṃ varṣaṃ vijñeyaṃ kusumotkaram tadevāsitam ityuktaṃ varṣaṃ somakasaṃjñitam //

Translation

Know the auspicious region (varṣa) of Somaka as “Kusumotkara,” the “Heap of Blossoms.” That very same land is also said to be called “Āsita”; thus it is the varṣa known by the name Somaka.

Word by Word

• somakasya: of Somaka

• śubham: auspicious, fortunate

• varṣam: region/territorial division (varṣa)

• vijñeyam: should be known/understood

• kusumotkaram: Kusumotkara (“heap/cluster of flowers”)

• tat eva: that very same

• āsitam: Āsita (a proper name/alternate designation)

• iti: thus

• uktam: is said/called

• varṣam: region (varṣa)

• somaka-saṃjñitam: bearing the name Somaka / called Somaka

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Purāṇic dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Somaka
• Kusumotkara
• Āsita

Tags

• Cosmography
• Jambudvipa
• Varsha divisions
• Puranic geography
• Names and epithets

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to cosmographic description, giving the names/epithets of a varṣa (region) associated with Somaka.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that rulers and householders should know sacred geography and traditional nomenclature, which frames pilgrimage, gifts, and ritual observances tied to particular regions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the significance is nominative—preserving authoritative place-names (Kusumotkara/Āsita) used in ritual geography and Purāṇic mapping.