Shloka 6

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

अस्य भारतवर्षस्य विष्कम्भात्तुल्यविस्तृतम् मण्डलं भास्करस्याथ योजनैस्तन्निबोधत //

Transliteration

asya bhāratavarṣasya viṣkambhāttulyavistṛtam maṇḍalaṃ bhāskarasyātha yojanaistannibodhata //

Translation

Now understand this: the solar disc (maṇḍala) is, in its extent, equal to the diameter of this Bhārata-varṣa—measured in yojanas.

Word by Word

• asya: of this

• bhāratavarṣasya: of Bhārata-varṣa (India, the land called Bhārata)

• viṣkambhāt: from/with respect to the diameter (breadth across)

• tulya-vistṛtam: equally extended, of equal expanse

• maṇḍalam: circular disc/orb

• bhāskarasya: of Bhāskara (the Sun)

• atha: now/then

• yojanaiḥ: in yojanas (a traditional unit of distance)

• tat: that

• nibodhata: know/understand (imperative).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution for Matsya Purana’s principal dialogue flow)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhārata-varṣa
• Bhāskara (Sun)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Puranic Measurements
• Bhārata-varṣa
• Surya

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 comparative measurement between Bhārata-varṣa’s diameter and the Sun’s disc in yojanas.

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

Directly, it does not prescribe royal or household duties; indirectly, such cosmographic knowledge supports the Purāṇic worldview used to frame dharma, pilgrimage geography, and calendrical/astronomical reckoning.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No explicit Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; however, the emphasis on measured dimensions (yojana-pramāṇa) reflects the Purāṇic concern for correct proportion and scale, a mindset also applied in temple planning and ritual layouts.