Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Maya’s Nectar-Reservoir in Tripura and the Revival of the Slain in the Tripur...

Devanagari script

द्वियोजनायतां दीर्घां पूर्णयोजनविस्तृताम् आरोहसंक्रमवतीं चित्ररूपां कथामिव //

Transliteration

dviyojanāyatāṃ dīrghāṃ pūrṇayojanavistṛtām ārohasaṃkramavatīṃ citrarūpāṃ kathāmiva //

Translation

(It was described as) two yojanas in length and a full yojana in breadth, furnished with ascents and connecting passages—variegated in form, like a wondrous tale.

Word by Word

• dvi-yojana-āyatām: extending two yojanas

• dīrghām: long

• pūrṇa-yojana-vistṛtām: spread to a full yojana in width

• āroha: ascent/approach-ramp

• saṅkrama-vatīm: having crossings, connections, or passages

• citra-rūpām: of many forms, variegated, ornate

• kathām iva: like a story/tale (as if narrated).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Town planning
• Fortification
• Measurements
• Architecture

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on architectural description—specifically, the measured extent and internal connectivity (ascents and passages) of a planned settlement or fort.

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

For a king, it supports rajadharma through orderly urban planning—defensible dimensions, clear circulation routes, and well-designed approaches that aid administration, security, and public movement.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it specifies a canonical scale (2 yojanas by 1 yojana) and highlights functional design—āroha (approach/ramps) and saṅkrama (connections/crossings)—key Vastuvidya principles for access and circulation.