Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

शाकद्वीपादिषु ज्ञेयं पञ्चस्वेतेषु सर्वशः देशस्य तु विचारेण कालः स्वाभाविकः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

śākadvīpādiṣu jñeyaṃ pañcasveteṣu sarvaśaḥ deśasya tu vicāreṇa kālaḥ svābhāvikaḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

In Śākadvīpa and the other regions, throughout all these five divisions, one should understand that time is regarded as “natural”—that is, determined according to a considered assessment of the locality.

Word by Word

• śākadvīpa-ādiṣu: in Śākadvīpa and other regions

• jñeyam: should be known/understood

• pañcasu eteṣu: in these five (groups/divisions)

• sarvaśaḥ: entirely/everywhere

• deśasya: of the place/region

• tu: indeed

• vicāreṇa: by consideration/analysis

• kālaḥ: time (seasonal/temporal measure)

• svābhāvikaḥ: natural/inherent (as per local nature)

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/held to be

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śākadvīpa
• kāla (time)
• deśa (region)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Sacred geography
• Time calculation
• Regional customs
• Ritual timing

FAQs

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

It does not speak directly about Pralaya; it teaches that ‘time’ (kāla) used for decisions is to be treated as natural and place-dependent, emphasizing cosmic order expressed through regional conditions.

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

It implies that a king or householder should set rituals, festivals, and administrative timing after evaluating local conditions (deśa-vicāra), rather than applying a single uniform standard everywhere.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

For Vāstu and rites, it supports choosing auspicious timings and procedures in harmony with the locality—climate, seasonality, and regional norms—treating kāla as ‘svābhāvika’ (inherent to the place).