Shloka 16

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

अयं लोकस्तु वै सम्राड् अन्तरिक्षजितां स्मृतः स्वराडसौ स्मृतो लोकः पुनर्वक्ष्यामि विस्तरात् //

Transliteration

ayaṃ lokastu vai samrāḍ antarikṣajitāṃ smṛtaḥ svarāḍasau smṛto lokaḥ punarvakṣyāmi vistarāt //

Translation

O sovereign king, this realm is remembered as ‘Samrāṭ’ among those who have conquered the mid-space (antarikṣa). That world is also known as ‘Svarāṭ’. I shall explain it again in detail.

Word by Word

• ayam: this

• lokaḥ: world/realm

• tu: indeed

• vai: verily

• samrāṭ: Samrāṭ (name/epithet, also ‘sovereign’)

• antarikṣa-jitām: of those who have conquered the mid-region/sky (antarikṣa)

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/called

• svarāṭ: Svarāṭ (name/epithet, also ‘self-ruling’)

• asau: that

• smṛtaḥ: is known as

• punaḥ: again

• vakṣyāmi: I shall speak/explain

• vistarāt: in detail/at length

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Antariksha
• Samrāṭ
• Svarāṭ

Tags

• Cosmology
• Lokas
• Puranic geography
• Heavenly realms
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it classifies a ‘loka’ (realm) by traditional names (Samrāṭ/Svarāṭ) and frames a continued cosmological exposition.

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

The verse addresses a king as the listener and models the Purāṇic ideal: rulers should learn cosmology and sacred geography as part of dharmic governance and right understanding of the universe they protect.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule appears in this line; its significance is classificatory—naming realms—which often supports later ritual mapping (directions, worlds, and placements) in Purāṇic practice.