Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — The Rite and Glory of Meru-Dāna: The Tenfold ‘Gift of Meru’ and Mountain-Offe...

Devanagari script

तस्माद्विधानं वक्ष्यामि पर्वतानामनुक्रमात् प्रथमो धान्यशैलः स्याद् द्वितीयो लवणाचलः //

Transliteration

tasmādvidhānaṃ vakṣyāmi parvatānāmanukramāt prathamo dhānyaśailaḥ syād dvitīyo lavaṇācalaḥ //

Translation

Therefore, I shall explain—in due sequence—the arrangement and classification of the mountains: the first is called Dhānya-śaila (the Grain Mountain), and the second is Lavaṇācala (the Salt Mountain).

Word by Word

• तस्मात् (tasmāt): therefore, for that reason

• विधानम् (vidhānam): arrangement, rule, systematic description

• वक्ष्यामि (vakṣyāmi): I shall declare/explain

• पर्वतानाम् (parvatānām): of the mountains

• अनुक्रमात् (anukramāt): in order, successively

• प्रथमः (prathamaḥ): the first

• धान्यशैलः (dhānya-śailaḥ): ‘grain-mountain’, a named mountain

• स्यात् (syāt): is said to be/should be

• द्वितीयः (dvitīyaḥ): the second

• लवणाचलः (lavaṇācalaḥ): ‘salt-mountain’, a named mountain

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) addressing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Dhānyaśaila
• Lavaṇācala

Tags

• Cosmography
• Sacred Geography
• Mountains
• Matsya Purana
• Enumeration

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it introduces an ordered cosmographical listing—systematically naming mountains as part of the Purana’s world-description.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic governance and pilgrimage culture by mapping sacred geography; such ordered knowledge helps kings and householders orient rituals, gifts, and tīrtha-related observances.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the significance is classificatory—providing the sacred-geographical framework often used to contextualize vows, pilgrimages, and region-linked rites.