Srimad Bhagavatam — Panchama Skandha, Shloka 4
The Orbit of the Sun, the Measure of Day and Night, and the Sun-God’s Chariot
यदा मेषतुलयोर्वर्तते तदाहोरात्राणि समानानि भवन्ति यदा वृषभादिषु पञ्चसु च राशिषु चरति तदाहान्येव वर्धन्ते ह्रसति च मासि मास्येकैका घटिका रात्रिषु ॥ ४ ॥
yadā meṣa-tulayor vartate tadāho-rātrāṇi samānāni bhavanti yadā vṛṣabhādiṣu pañcasu ca rāśiṣu carati tadāhāny eva vardhante hrasati ca māsi māsy ekaikā ghaṭikā rātriṣu.
When the sun passes through Meṣa [Aries] and Tulā [Libra], the durations of day and night are equal. When it passes through the five signs headed by Vṛṣabha [Taurus], the duration of the days increases [until Cancer], and then it gradually decreases by half an hour each month, until day and night again become equal [in Libra].
FAQs
This verse states that when the Sun is in Aries and Libra, day and night become equal in duration.
In Canto 5, Śukadeva explains the structure and functioning of the universe, showing how time, seasons, and cosmic order operate under the Lord’s arrangement.
It encourages seeing time and seasonal rhythms as part of a higher cosmic order, supporting disciplined living (routine, balance) and remembrance that all time ultimately moves under divine governance.