Shloka 63

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

प्रजापतिमुपादाय प्रजाभ्यो विदधत्स्वयम् तेषामन्तरविष्कम्भो द्विगुणः समुदाहृतः //

Transliteration

prajāpatimupādāya prajābhyo vidadhatsvayam teṣāmantaraviṣkambho dviguṇaḥ samudāhṛtaḥ //

Translation

Taking Prajāpati as the archetype, and himself laying down the rule for all beings, it is declared that their inner diameter (the clear internal span) is to be twice the base measure.

Word by Word

• प्रजापतिम् (prajāpatim): Prajāpati, the Lord of Progeny/Creator

• उपादाय (upādāya): having taken as a basis, adopting

• प्रजाभ्यः (prajābhyaḥ): for the creatures/subjects, for living beings

• विदधत् (vidadhat): ordaining, laying down, prescribing

• स्वयम् (svayam): himself

• तेषाम् (teṣām): of those (structures/measures just mentioned)

• अन्तर-विष्कम्भः (antara-viṣkambhaḥ): inner diameter, internal breadth/clear span

• द्विगुणः (dviguṇaḥ): double, twice

• समुदाहृतः (samudāhṛtaḥ): is stated/declared.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Prajapati
• Matsya
• Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Measurements
• Proportions
• Temple Architecture
• Canonical Rules

FAQs

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

Rather than describing Pralaya, the verse uses Prajāpati (the creator-archetype) to authorize a normative rule: a fixed proportional standard for internal dimensions, reflecting cosmic order expressed through architecture.

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

For rulers and householders who commission halls, dwellings, or temples, it frames building as dharmic governance: construction should follow revealed proportional canons (here, the inner span is set as a ‘double’ measure), ensuring stability, auspiciousness, and social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It specifies a vastu-proportion: the antaraviṣkambha (clear internal diameter/span) should be dviguṇa—twice the relevant base unit previously defined—supporting correct layout for mandapas, sanctums, or measured spaces used for ritual and habitation.