Shloka 67

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

प्रमाणं मण्डलस्यापि योजनानां निबोधत योजनानां सहस्राणि दश चाष्टौ तथा स्मृतम् //

Transliteration

pramāṇaṃ maṇḍalasyāpi yojanānāṃ nibodhata yojanānāṃ sahasrāṇi daśa cāṣṭau tathā smṛtam //

Translation

Now understand the measure of the maṇḍala in yojanas: it is traditionally remembered as eighteen thousand yojanas.

Word by Word

• pramāṇam: measurement/standard

• maṇḍalasya api: of the maṇḍala also

• yojanānām: in terms of yojanas

• nibodhata: understand/learn (O listener)

• yojanānām sahasrāṇi: thousands of yojanas

• daśa ca aṣṭau: ten and eight (i.e., eighteen)

• tathā: thus/so

• smṛtam: remembered/recorded in tradition

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Vāstu Maṇḍala
• Yojana

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Mandala
• Measurements
• Sacred Geometry
• Puranic Architecture

FAQs

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

It does not directly describe pralaya; it gives a cosmological-scale standard for a maṇḍala’s measurement, reflecting the Purāṇic habit of linking sacred geometry with cosmic dimensions.

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

By prescribing authoritative measurements, it supports dharmic governance and household/royal building activity—ensuring settlements, ritual spaces, and constructions follow recognized Vāstu standards rather than arbitrary design.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse states the maṇḍala’s pramāṇa as 18,000 yojanas, indicating a canonical dimension for the mandala concept used in Vāstu planning and ritual spatial layout (a cosmic template mirrored in architecture).