Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

स्थिता धर्मव्यवस्थार्थं लोकसंरक्षणाय च लोकपालोपरिष्टात्तु सर्वतो दक्षिणायने //

Transliteration

sthitā dharmavyavasthārthaṃ lokasaṃrakṣaṇāya ca lokapālopariṣṭāttu sarvato dakṣiṇāyane //

Translation

They are stationed to uphold the proper ordering of dharma and to safeguard the world; and above the Lokapālas, on every side, extends the southern course (Dakṣiṇāyana).

Word by Word

• स्थिताः (sthitāḥ): stationed/established

• धर्म-व्यवस्था-अर्थम् (dharma-vyavasthā-artham): for the purpose of maintaining the order/administration of dharma

• लोक-संरक्षणाय (loka-saṃrakṣaṇāya): for protecting the world

• च (ca): and

• लोकपाल-उपरिष्टात् (lokapāla-upariṣṭāt): above the world-guardians (Lokapālas)

• तु (tu): indeed/and further

• सर्वतः (sarvataḥ): on all sides/everywhere

• दक्षिणायने (dakṣiṇāyane): in the southern course (Dakṣiṇāyana, the sun’s southward movement)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (probable narrative frame of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokapalas
• Dharma
• Dakshinayana

Tags

• Dharma
• Cosmology
• Lokapalas
• Directions
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

It does not directly describe pralaya; it emphasizes the continuing cosmic governance—Lokapālas are positioned to preserve dharma and protect the world within an ordered cosmological framework.

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

By portraying the Lokapālas as protectors who maintain dharma-order, the verse mirrors the king’s ideal duty: to administer dharma and provide protection in all directions, ensuring stability and welfare.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The mention of Lokapālas and directional/cosmic ordering supports Vāstu and ritual orientation principles—aligning spaces and rites with directional guardians and auspicious cosmic movements such as Dakṣiṇāyana.