Shloka 35

Matsya Purana — Description of Gomedaka and Puṣkara Dvīpas; the Lokāloka Boundary; Ocean Tide...

Devanagari script

अपां वृद्धिः क्षयो दृष्टः समुद्राणां तु पर्वसु द्विरापत्वात् स्मृतो द्वीपो दधनाच्चोदधिः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

apāṃ vṛddhiḥ kṣayo dṛṣṭaḥ samudrāṇāṃ tu parvasu dvirāpatvāt smṛto dvīpo dadhanāccodadhiḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

An increase and a decrease of the waters is observed in the oceans at their ‘parvas’ (periodic junctures). Because it is ‘twice-watered’ it is called a dvīpa (island/continent); and because it bears and holds the waters, it is called the odadhi (ocean).

Word by Word

• अपाम् (apām): of waters

• वृद्धिः (vṛddhiḥ): increase, waxing

• क्षयः (kṣayaḥ): decrease, waning

• दृष्टः (dṛṣṭaḥ): is seen/observed

• समुद्राणाम् (samudrāṇām): of the oceans

• तु (tu): indeed/and

• पर्वसु (parvasu): at parvas, periodic junctures/occasions

• द्विरापत्वात् (dvirāpatvāt): because of being ‘two-watered’/having water on two sides

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is said to be/called

• द्वीपः (dvīpaḥ): an island/continent

• दधनात् (dadhanāt): from bearing/holding/supporting

• च (ca): and

• उदधिः (odadhiḥ): ocean

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is called/remembered as.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya Purana’s teaching dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Samudra (Ocean)
• Dvīpa (Island/Continent)
• Ap (Waters)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Bhugola
• Oceans
• Etymology
• Puranic Geography

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; instead, it notes a regular, cyclical waxing and waning of ocean waters at specific ‘parvas’ (periodic junctures), reflecting a Purāṇic view of rhythmic natural order rather than total dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it supports the dhārmic ideal of governance and household life aligned with ṛta (cosmic order): understanding seasons, cycles, and natural boundaries (land and sea) is part of prudent administration, travel, and settlement planning described across Purāṇic instruction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual rule is stated, but the verse’s focus on land surrounded by water (dvīpa) and the ocean as a ‘holder’ supports the broader Vāstu concern with site geography—water presence, boundaries, and natural cycles—when evaluating habitable regions.