Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Dhruva as Cosmic Pivot: Motions of Sun–Moon–Planets

Devanagari script

गजानां पर्वतानां च मेघानां भोगिभिः सह कुलमेकं द्विधा भूतं योनिरेका जलं स्मृतम् //

Transliteration

gajānāṃ parvatānāṃ ca meghānāṃ bhogibhiḥ saha kulamekaṃ dvidhā bhūtaṃ yonirekā jalaṃ smṛtam //

Translation

Elephants, mountains, and clouds—together with serpentine beings—are said to belong to a single lineage that has become twofold; yet their one common source (yoni) is remembered to be water.

Word by Word

• gajānām: of elephants

• parvatānām: of mountains

• ca: and

• meghānām: of clouds

• bhogibhiḥ: with the bhogins (serpents/serpentine beings)

• saha: together with

• kulam: lineage, class, family

• ekam: one, single

• dvidhā: in two ways, twofold

• bhūtam: become, manifested

• yoniḥ: womb, origin, source

• ekā: one (feminine, agreeing with yoniḥ)

• jalam: water

• smṛtam: is declared/remembered in tradition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Gaja (elephants)
• Parvata (mountains)
• Megha (clouds)
• Bhogin (serpents/Nagas)

Tags

• Cosmogony
• Elements
• Water-Origin
• Pralaya
• Puranic Science

FAQs

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

It asserts a water-based origin (yoni) shared by diverse forms—living (elephants, serpents) and non-living/atmospheric (mountains, clouds)—supporting the Purāṇic idea that, in dissolution and re-manifestation, forms resolve into and arise from elemental waters.

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

By emphasizing water as a fundamental source, it indirectly underlines a king’s and householder’s duty to protect water resources—rivers, tanks, rains, and irrigation—since prosperity of land, creatures, and climate is tied to water in Purāṇic thought.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not giving a direct Vāstu rule, it reinforces a key Vāstu/ritual principle: water is foundational—thus site selection, temple/town planning, and rites often prioritize proximity to pure water, proper drainage, and honoring water as a sustaining element.