Shloka 22

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

Devanagari script

शीकरान् सम्प्रमुञ्चन्ति नीहार इति स स्मृतः दक्षिणेन गिरिर्यो ऽसौ हेमकूट इति स्मृतः //

Transliteration

śīkarān sampramuñcanti nīhāra iti sa smṛtaḥ dakṣiṇena giriryo 'sau hemakūṭa iti smṛtaḥ //

Translation

That which releases fine sprays of water is called “nīhāra” (mist). And to the south, the mountain there is known as Hemakūṭa.

Word by Word

• śīkarān: fine water-sprays, droplets

• sampramuñcanti: they emit, they release

• nīhāraḥ: mist, fog, dew-like haze

• iti: thus

• saḥ: that (phenomenon)

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/known as

• dakṣiṇena: to the south

• giriḥ: mountain

• yaḥ asau: which indeed that

• hemakūṭaḥ: Hemakūṭa (proper name of a mountain)

• iti smṛtaḥ: is so called/renowned

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purāṇa’s cosmographical account, traditionally rooted in the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Hemakūṭa

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Cosmography
• Mountains
• Jambudvīpa
• Puranic Topography

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it belongs to the Matsya Purāṇa’s cosmography, defining a natural phenomenon (nīhāra, mist) and naming the southern mountain Hemakūṭa.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through knowledge of sacred geography—important for rulers and householders in planning pilgrimages, ritual journeys, and understanding the Purāṇic map of the world.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated; however, such geographic markers are used in Purāṇic tradition to orient sacred space and contextualize tīrtha-yātrā and regional ritual identities.