Shloka 47

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

Devanagari script

प्रकाशश्चाप्रकाशश्च लोकालोकः स उच्यते आलोकस्तत्र चार्वाक्च निरालोकस्ततः परम् //

Transliteration

prakāśaścāprakāśaśca lokālokaḥ sa ucyate ālokastatra cārvākca nirālokastataḥ param //

Translation

That (cosmic boundary) is called Lokāloka, for it is both luminous and non-luminous. On this side there is light extending up to its limit, but beyond it there is utter absence of light.

Word by Word

• prakāśaḥ: light, luminous region

• ca: and

• aprakāśaḥ: non-light, darkness

• lokālokaḥ: Lokāloka (the boundary between the known world and darkness)

• saḥ: that

• ucyate: is called

• ālokaḥ: illumination/light

• tatra: there/within that region

• ca: and

• ārvāk: on this side, up to the limit

• nirālokaḥ: without light, lightless

• tataḥ param: beyond that

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokāloka

Tags

• Cosmology
• Lokāloka
• Cosmic Geography
• Light and Darkness
• Puranic Universe

FAQs

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

It describes the cosmic structure of the universe: a boundary (Lokāloka) separating the illuminated, knowable world from the lightless expanse beyond—an important cosmographic framework often referenced when explaining cosmic cycles and the limits of manifested order.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the Purāṇic worldview that dharma operates within the ordered, illumined realm (loka). Kings and householders uphold that order through righteous conduct, mirroring the boundary between order (light) and chaos (darkness).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated, but the idea of a sacred boundary between illumined and non-illumined space parallels temple planning concepts of ordered zones (prākāra/limits) separating consecrated space from the outer, unregulated realm.