Shloka 63

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

Devanagari script

विस्तारान्मण्डलाच्चैव प्रसंख्यानेन चैव हि विश्वरूपं प्रधानस्य परिमाणैकदेशिनः //

Transliteration

vistārānmaṇḍalāccaiva prasaṃkhyānena caiva hi viśvarūpaṃ pradhānasya parimāṇaikadeśinaḥ //

Translation

Indeed, by describing its extent, its circular sphere, and also by numerical enumeration, one can set forth the universe-form (viśvarūpa) as a partial measure of Pradhāna, the primordial material principle.

Word by Word

• विस्तारात् (vistārāt): from/through extent, expansion

• मण्डलात् (maṇḍalāt): from/through the sphere/circle (cosmic orb)

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed

• प्रसंख्यानेन (prasaṃkhyānena): by counting/enumeration, by numerical reckoning

• च एव हि (ca eva hi): and indeed, certainly

• विश्वरूपम् (viśvarūpam): the universal form, cosmic manifestation

• प्रधानस्य (pradhānasya): of Pradhāna, primordial matter/primal principle

• परिमाण-एक-देशिनः (parimāṇa-eka-deśinaḥ): of one portion/partial measure (i.e., a measurable part or limited aspect).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in cosmological doctrine)

Entities Mentioned

• Pradhāna
• Viśvarūpa
• Maṇḍala

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sarga
• Pradhana
• Enumeration
• Puranic metaphysics

FAQs

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

It frames the manifested universe (viśvarūpa) as a measurable, limited expression of Pradhāna, implying that creation is a structured manifestation from the primordial principle and can be described through dimensions, spheres, and numerical reckoning—categories that also help explain how manifestation can withdraw back at pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal of governance and household life grounded in order (niyama) and right measure: just as the cosmos is intelligible through proportion and enumeration, a king’s administration and a householder’s rituals are to be conducted with disciplined calculation, proper sequencing, and adherence to established measures.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Though not a direct Vāstu rule, the verse emphasizes measurement (parimāṇa) and proportional description—core principles behind Vāstu and temple-ritual planning, where layouts (maṇḍala), dimensions (vistāra), and enumerated modules guide sacred construction and ceremonial arrangement.