Shloka 96

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

निर्द्वंद्वा निरभीमाना निस्तन्द्रा निष्परिग्रहाः लोकपालाः स्थितास्त्वेते लोकालोके चतुर्दिशम् //

Transliteration

nirdvaṃdvā nirabhīmānā nistandrā niṣparigrahāḥ lokapālāḥ sthitāstvete lokāloke caturdiśam //

Translation

Free from all dualities, without pride or self-importance, ever vigilant and unwearied, and possessing nothing as their own—these guardians of the worlds stand stationed on Lokāloka, in the four directions.

Word by Word

• निर्द्वन्द्वाः: free from dualities/opposites

• निरभीमानाः: without pride, without conceit

• निस्तन्द्राः: untiring, ever-alert (free from sloth)

• निष्परिग्रहाः: without possessions, non-appropriating

• लोकपालाः: guardians/protectors of the worlds (Lokapālas)

• स्थिताः: stationed, established

• तु: indeed

• एते: these

• लोकालोके: on/at Lokāloka (the cosmic boundary mountain dividing light and darkness)

• चतुर्दिशम्: in the four directions.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating Purāṇic cosmology; within the Matsya Purāṇa’s discourse on the universe)

Entities Mentioned

• Lokapālas
• Lokāloka

Tags

• Cosmology
• Lokapālas
• Lokāloka
• Dharma
• Guardians

FAQs

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

It emphasizes cosmic order rather than dissolution: the Lokapālas remain stationed at the boundary region called Lokāloka, maintaining directional stability and the structure of the worlds.

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

By presenting the Lokapālas as ideal guardians—free from ego, vigilant, and non-possessive—it implies that rulers and householders should protect their realm and duties with alertness and restraint, without pride or grasping.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse reinforces the directional (caturdiś) framework central to ritual and Vāstu thought: guardians aligned to directions support orientation, protective rites, and the broader dikpāla concept used in temple planning and consecration.