Shloka 55

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

अतो देशान्प्रवक्ष्यामि पर्वताश्रयिणश्च ये निराहाराः सर्वगाश्च कुपथा अपथास्तथा //

Transliteration

ato deśānpravakṣyāmi parvatāśrayiṇaśca ye nirāhārāḥ sarvagāśca kupathā apathāstathā //

Translation

Now I shall describe the kinds of regions: those lying under the shelter of mountains, those barren and without sustenance, those where waters flow everywhere, and those with bad roads or with no proper paths at all.

Word by Word

• ataḥ: now/therefore

• deśān: regions/lands

• pravakṣyāmi: I shall explain

• parvata-āśrayiṇaḥ: situated under/depending on mountains, mountain-sheltered

• ca: and

• ye: which

• nirāhārāḥ: without food/sustenance, barren

• sarvagāḥ: going everywhere, pervasive (esp. waters/streams spreading widely)

• ca: and

• kupathāḥ: with bad paths/roads

• apathāḥ: pathless, without proper routes

• tathā: likewise/also

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Mountains (Parvata)
• Desha (Region/Land)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Sacred Geography
• Site Selection
• Settlement Planning
• Roads and Access

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it shifts to practical classification of lands, a Vastu-oriented topic focused on habitability and suitability of regions.

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

It supports a king’s duty of orderly settlement and infrastructure: selecting viable regions (with food, manageable water flow, and proper routes) for towns, agriculture, and safe travel.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It frames Vastu site-selection criteria—avoid or carefully assess barren lands, overly waterlogged/overrun terrains, and places with poor access routes, since these affect construction stability, movement, and prosperity.