Shloka 68

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

महिषं महिषस्यापि पुनश्चापि प्रभाकरम् ककुद्मिनस्तु तद्वर्षं कपिलं नाम विश्रुतम् //

Transliteration

mahiṣaṃ mahiṣasyāpi punaścāpi prabhākaram kakudminastu tadvarṣaṃ kapilaṃ nāma viśrutam //

Translation

That region is also called Mahiṣa, again Mahiṣasya, and again Prabhākara; and the varṣa belonging to Kakudmin is renowned by the name Kapila.

Word by Word

• mahīṣam: (called) Mahiṣa

• mahīṣasya api: also (called) Mahiṣasya

• punaḥ ca api: and again

• prabhākaram: (called) Prabhākara

• kakudminaḥ tu: but/of Kakudmin

• tad-varṣam: that varṣa (region)

• kapilam nāma: by the name Kapila

• viśrutam: well-known, celebrated

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (cosmographic narration context)

Entities Mentioned

• Kakudmin
• Kapila
• Mahiṣa
• Prabhākara

Tags

• Cosmography
• Jambudvipa
• Varsha-names
• Ancient Indian geography
• Genealogy

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it preserves cosmographic tradition by listing alternate names of regions (varṣas) and their famed associations.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal of righteous governance through knowledge of one’s realm—names, lineages, and territorial traditions—used in administration, ritual gifting, and historical memory.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu/ritual rule appears here; the practical ritual use is in accurate regional identification for dāna (gifts), tīrtha references, and recitation of sacred geography.