Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Genealogy from Budha to Purūravas and Yayāti; Raji’s war episode; the Paurava...

Devanagari script

सप्तद्वीपा वसुमती सशैलवनकानना धर्मेण पालिता तेन सर्वलोकहितैषिणा //

Transliteration

saptadvīpā vasumatī saśailavanakānanā dharmeṇa pālitā tena sarvalokahitaiṣiṇā //

Translation

That earth—comprising the seven continents, with its mountains, forests, and groves—was protected by him through dharma, for he sought the welfare of all worlds.

Word by Word

सप्तद्वीपाhaving seven continents (the seven dvīpas)

वसुमतीthe earth, the bountiful one

स-शैल-वन-काननाtogether with mountains, forests, and woodland-groves

धर्मेणby/through dharma (righteous law)

पालिताprotected, governed

तेनby him

सर्व-लोक-हित-एषिणाby one who seeks the good (hita) of all beings/worlds (lokas)

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu on righteous governance)

Entities Mentioned

Saptadvipa (Seven Dvīpas)Vasumati (Earth)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it emphasizes stable, dharma-based protection of the earth and its natural domains (mountains and forests) as the mark of an ideal ruler.

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

It defines the ruler’s duty as dharmic protection (पालन) aimed at universal welfare—governing for the benefit of all, including safeguarding natural resources like forests and mountains, rather than for personal gain.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual procedure appears here; the takeaway relevant to Vāstu-ethics is the conservation-minded duty to protect land, forests, and sacred landscapes that often frame temple and settlement planning.