Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Description of Himavat

Devanagari script

महाप्रपातसम्पातप्रपातादिगताम्बुभिः वायुनीतैः सदा तृप्तिकृतदेशं क्वचित्क्वचित् //

Transliteration

mahāprapātasampātaprapātādigatāmbubhiḥ vāyunītaiḥ sadā tṛptikṛtadeśaṃ kvacitkvacit //

Translation

In some places, the land is ever well-watered and satisfied by waters that have descended from great waterfalls, cascades, and plunging falls—waters continually carried along and dispersed by the wind.

Word by Word

• महाप्रपात: great waterfall

• सम्पात: a plunge/downfall (sheer descent)

• प्रपात: cascade/fall

• आदिगताम्बुभिः: by waters that have come/arrived from such sources

• वायुनीतैः: carried/driven by the wind

• सदा: always

• तृप्तिकृत: causing satisfaction/adequate moistening

• देशं: region/land

• क्वचित्क्वचित्: here and there/in certain places.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Hydrology
• Sacred Geography
• Pralaya
• Natural Phenomena

FAQs

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

It reflects the Purana’s cosmographic view that the earth’s regions are sustained by dynamic water movements—falls, cascades, and wind-borne moisture—supporting the idea of cyclical regulation of the world’s waters that also becomes dramatic during Pralaya narratives.

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

By highlighting dependable water-supply patterns in certain regions, it implicitly supports royal and household responsibilities of choosing habitable lands, protecting water sources, and ensuring irrigation and public welfare where nature provides sustained moisture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

For Vastu and settlement planning, it points to a key site-selection principle: regions naturally “tṛpti-kṛt” (well-watered) by reliable flows or wind-driven moisture are favorable for habitation, agriculture, and establishing sacred/ritual spaces.