Shloka 55

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

बलाहकस्तृतीयस्तु जात्यञ्जनमयो गिरिः द्युतिमान्नामतः प्रोक्तः स एव च महीधरः //

Transliteration

balāhakastṛtīyastu jātyañjanamayo giriḥ dyutimānnāmataḥ proktaḥ sa eva ca mahīdharaḥ //

Translation

The third mountain is Balāhaka, said to be formed of natural añjana (collyrium). By name it is declared Dyutimān, and that very one is a great mahīdhara, a bearer of the earth.

Word by Word

• बलाहकः: Balāhaka (name of a mountain)

• तृतीयः: the third

• तु: indeed/and

• जाति-अञ्जन-मयः: made of natural añjana (collyrium/black mineral pigment)

• गिरिः: mountain

• द्युतिमान्: Dyutimān (literally ‘radiant’, here a proper name)

• नामतः: by name

• प्रोक्तः: is said/declared

• सः एव: that very one

• च: also

• महीधरः: earth-bearer, great mountain

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Purāṇic narration)

Entities Mentioned

• Balāhaka
• Dyutimān
• Mahīdhara

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Mountains
• Puranic Topography
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to a cosmographic listing that classifies mountains by name and substance, describing the world’s structure rather than its dissolution.

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

Indirectly, such geographic catalogues support a king’s worldview—knowing sacred geography, resources (minerals like añjana), and the ordered cosmos that dharma is meant to protect.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated, but the mention of añjana (collyrium/mineral pigment) is relevant as a traditional material used in ritual cosmetics and icon/eye detailing in later temple and image-making practice.