Shloka 7

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

न खल्वन्यत्र मर्त्यानां भूमौ कर्मविधिः स्मृतः भारतस्यास्य वर्षस्य नव भेदान्निबोधत //

Transliteration

na khalvanyatra martyānāṃ bhūmau karmavidhiḥ smṛtaḥ bhāratasyāsya varṣasya nava bhedānnibodhata //

Translation

Indeed, nowhere else on earth is the ordained rule of action (karma and its rites) for mortals recognized as it is here. Therefore, understand the nine divisions of this Bhārata-varṣa.

Word by Word

• na: not

• khalu: indeed/assuredly

• anyatra: elsewhere

• martyānām: of mortals

• bhūmau: on the earth/land

• karma-vidhiḥ: the prescribed rule/procedure of rites and actions

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/declared in tradition

• bhāratasya: of Bhārata

• asya: of this

• varṣasya: region/continent (varṣa)

• nava: nine

• bhedān: divisions/types

• nibodhata: know/learn/understand (imperative).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhārata-varṣa
• Karma
• Mortals (martyāḥ)

Tags

• Bhārata-varṣa
• Karmabhūmi
• Sacred geography
• Dharma
• Puranic cosmography

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it emphasizes sacred geography—Bhārata-varṣa is singled out as the land where karma-vidhi (ritual and moral law governing actions) is especially operative for humans.

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

By declaring Bhārata-varṣa the primary karmabhūmi, it frames kings and householders as responsible for upholding karma-vidhi—Vedic rites, social duties, and dharmic governance—since this land is presented as uniquely suited for structured religious action and merit.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights karma-vidhi—prescribed procedures for dharma and yajña—implying that correct ritual performance is central in Bhārata-varṣa; no direct Vastu or temple-architecture rule is stated in this verse.