Shloka 45

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

मानसोत्तरमेरोस्तु अन्तरं त्रिगुणं स्मृतम् सर्वतो दक्षिणस्यां तु काष्ठायां तन्निबोधत //

Transliteration

mānasottaramerostu antaraṃ triguṇaṃ smṛtam sarvato dakṣiṇasyāṃ tu kāṣṭhāyāṃ tannibodhata //

Translation

The interval between Mānasottara and Mount Meru is traditionally remembered as threefold in measure. And regarding the southern quarter in every respect—understand that direction clearly.

Word by Word

• mānasottara: (Mount) Mānasottara

• meroḥ/meros tu: of Meru / indeed of Meru

• antaraṃ: interval, distance, gap

• triguṇam: threefold, thrice

• smṛtam: is remembered, is stated in tradition

• sarvataḥ: on all sides, in every respect

• dakṣiṇasyām: in the southern (direction/quarter)

• tu: but/indeed

• kāṣṭhāyām: in the quarter/direction (kāṣṭhā = cardinal direction)

• tat: that

• nibodhata: understand, know clearly (imperative, plural/respectful)

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the cosmographic teaching as received in the Purāṇic dialogue tradition; ultimately presented as instruction associated with Lord Matsya’s discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Mānasottara
• Meru
• Dakṣiṇā (South)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Directions
• Puranic Measurements
• Bhuvana-kosha

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to cosmographic description, giving a traditional proportional distance between Mānasottara and Meru and introducing clarification of the southern quarter.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic orientation: knowing directions (dik-jñāna) is used for correct ritual layout, travel, pilgrimage mapping, and auspicious planning—practical knowledge expected in royal administration and household rites.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key technical term is kāṣṭhā (“direction/quarter”): directional certainty—especially the south (dakṣiṇā)—is foundational for Vāstu orientation and for placing ritual elements correctly according to prescribed quarters.