Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

कुत एव च दुर्भिक्षं क्षमातेजोयुतेष्विह तत्रापि पर्वताः शुभ्राः सप्तैव मणिभूषिताः //

Transliteration

kuta eva ca durbhikṣaṃ kṣamātejoyuteṣviha tatrāpi parvatāḥ śubhrāḥ saptaiva maṇibhūṣitāḥ //

Translation

How could there be any famine here, in a realm endowed with the splendor of the earth’s sustaining power? There too are seven radiant white mountains, adorned with gems.

Word by Word

• kutaḥ: whence/how

• eva: indeed

• ca: and

• durbhikṣam: famine/scarcity

• kṣamā: the earth/ground (also: forbearance)

• tejaḥ: splendor/power

• yuteṣu: in those endowed with/among those possessing

• iha: here

• tatra api: there also

• parvatāḥ: mountains

• śubhrāḥ: white/bright/pure

• sapta eva: seven indeed

• maṇi-bhūṣitāḥ: ornamented/adorned with jewels

Speaker

• Suta Goswami (narrating the Matsya Purana’s discourse as transmitted)

Entities Mentioned

• Earth (Kṣamā)
• Seven jewel-adorned mountains

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Cosmography
• Abundance
• Mountains
• Puranic Topography

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead it highlights an ideal, divinely sustained region where scarcity (durbhikṣa) is inconceivable—an image of cosmic order and abundance rather than dissolution.

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

By implying that a well-ordered realm should be free from famine, it aligns with the Purāṇic ideal that rulers and householders uphold dharma through protection, right governance, and proper stewardship of land and resources.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse signals auspicious land characteristics—radiance, stability, and jewel-like purity—often echoed in Vastu and tīrtha traditions where bright, elevated, well-endowed terrain is considered fit for sacred sites and enduring constructions.