Shloka 81

Matsya Purana — Cosmography of Śākadvīpa and Successive Dvīpas: Mountains

Devanagari script

गोविन्दात्परतश्चापि क्रौञ्चस्तु प्रथमो गिरिः क्रौञ्चात्परे पावनकः पावनादन्धकारकः //

Transliteration

govindātparataścāpi krauñcastu prathamo giriḥ krauñcātpare pāvanakaḥ pāvanādandhakārakaḥ //

Translation

Beyond Govinda Mountain lies Krauñca, the first of those peaks. Beyond Krauñca is Pāvanaka, and beyond Pāvanaka is Andhakāraka.

Word by Word

• govindāt: from (the mountain named) Govinda

• parataḥ: beyond, further on

• ca api: and also

• krauñcaḥ: (the mountain) Krauñca

• tu: indeed

• prathamaḥ: first

• giriḥ: mountain

• krauñcāt: beyond/from Krauñca

• pare: further on, beyond

• pāvanakaḥ: (the mountain) Pāvanaka

• pāvanāt: beyond/from Pāvanaka

• andhakārakaḥ: (the mountain) Andhakāraka ("the dark-making/causing darkness")

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Govinda (mountain)
• Krauñca (mountain)
• Pāvanaka (mountain)
• Andhakāraka (mountain)

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Mountains
• Bhugola
• Tirtha-Mahatmya
• Puranic Cosmography

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe pralaya; it maps sacred/cosmic geography by listing successive mountains beyond one another.

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

Indirectly, such geographic catalogues guide rulers and householders in understanding sacred regions and planning pilgrimages, donations, or jurisdiction connected with tirthas and holy landscapes.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-building rule appears here; its ritual value is primarily locational—identifying named mountains that can frame tirtha-based rites and pilgrimage orientation.