Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

निरुक्तवचनैश्चैव वर्षं तद्भारतं स्मृतम् यतः स्वर्गश्च मोक्षश्च मध्यमश्चापि हि स्मृतः //

Transliteration

niruktavacanaiścaiva varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ smṛtam yataḥ svargaśca mokṣaśca madhyamaścāpi hi smṛtaḥ //

Translation

By such authoritative statements and definitions, that region is remembered as Bhārata-varṣa—because it is taught to be the “middle” realm, from which both heavenly attainment and liberation (mokṣa) are possible.

Word by Word

• nirukta-vacanaiḥ: by well-defined/authoritative statements

• ca eva: and indeed

• varṣam: the land/continent (varṣa)

• tat: that

• bhāratam: Bharata (Bharata-varṣa)

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared

• yataḥ: because/from which

• svargaḥ: heaven

• ca: and

• mokṣaḥ: liberation

• ca: and

• madhyamaḥ: the middle (central realm/median condition)

• ca api: also

• hi: indeed/for (it is said)

• smṛtaḥ: is taught/remembered.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in dialogue instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bharata-varsha
• Svarga
• Moksha

Tags

• Sacred Geography
• Bharata-varsha
• Moksha
• Svarga
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it defines Bharata-varsha’s special status as the realm where beings can pursue both svarga (merit-based heavenly results) and moksha (liberation).

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

By calling Bharata-varsha the ‘middle’ realm enabling both svarga and moksha, it implies a balanced life of dharma—kings uphold social order and sacrifice/charity, while householders practice righteous conduct and spiritual disciplines leading ultimately to liberation.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple-rule detail is stated here; the ritual takeaway is broader—Bharata-varsha is presented as uniquely suited for karma (rites leading to svarga) and jñāna/renunciation (leading to moksha).