Shloka 94

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

लोकपालाः स्थितास्तत्र लोकालोकस्य मध्यतः चत्वारस्ते महात्मानस् तिष्ठन्त्याभूतसंप्लवम् //

Transliteration

lokapālāḥ sthitāstatra lokālokasya madhyataḥ catvāraste mahātmānas tiṣṭhantyābhūtasaṃplavam //

Translation

There, in the central region of Lokāloka, the four great-souled Lokapālas, Guardians of the Worlds, stand stationed, remaining at their posts until the dissolution of all beings (saṃplava).

Word by Word

• lokapālāḥ: guardians of the worlds (directional protectors)

• sthitāḥ: stationed, standing

• tatra: there

• lokālokasya: of Lokāloka (the boundary between the illumined world and darkness)

• madhyataḥ: in the middle/central region

• catvāraḥ: four

• te: they

• mahātmānaḥ: great-souled, exalted beings

• tiṣṭhanti: remain/stand firm

• ā-bhūta-saṃplavam: until the inundation/dissolution of beings (cosmic deluge/pralaya)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lokapālas
• Lokāloka
• Pralaya

Tags

• Cosmography
• Lokapāla
• Lokāloka
• Pralaya
• Dharma of guardianship

FAQs

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

It states that the Lokapālas maintain their cosmic posts at Lokāloka continuously, enduring in duty until the universal dissolution (ābhūtasaṃplava), highlighting order (ṛta) persisting up to Pralaya.

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

By portraying unwavering guardianship “until Pralaya,” it models steadfast dharma: rulers and householders should protect their domain and uphold order without abandoning responsibility in times of crisis.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a Vāstu rule directly, it reinforces the directional-cosmic framework behind ritual space: temples and rites often invoke the Dikpālas/Lokapālas to stabilize directions, reflecting the universe’s guarded order.