Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots, Shloka 18

Devanagari script

अलातचक्रवद्यान्ति वातचक्रेरितानि तु यस्मात्प्रवहते तानि प्रवहस्तेन स स्मृतः //

Transliteration

alātacakravadyānti vātacakreritāni tu yasmātpravahate tāni pravahastena sa smṛtaḥ //

Translation

إنّ ما يُحرَّك بعجلةٍ تسوقها الريح يمضي كالجذوة الدوّارة (ألاتاچكرا). ولأنّ تلك الأشياء تُحمَل وتنساب إلى الأمام بسببه، ذُكر باسم «برافاهاستينا» أي «الذي تُحدِث يده الجريان المتقدّم».

Word by Word

• alātacakravat: like a whirling firebrand (firebrand-circle)

• yānti: they go/move

• vātacakra: wind-wheel

• īritāni: impelled/set in motion

• tu: indeed

• yasmāt: because/from whom

• pravahate: are carried along/flow onward

• tāni: those (things)

• pravahastena: by/with the name Pravahastena (pravaha + hasta)

• sa: he

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a technical explanatory passage)

Entities Mentioned

• Pravahastena
• Vata (wind)
• Vata-chakra (wind-wheel)
• Alata-chakra (whirling firebrand simile)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Technical terminology
• Simile
• Wind mechanics
• Etymology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses a vivid motion-simile (whirling firebrand, wind-driven wheel) to define a name/term—suggesting a technical or classificatory context rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly: it models precise definition and correct naming (nirukti/etymological clarification), supporting the Purana’s broader aim that rulers and householders follow well-defined rules in governance, ritual, and building practice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse points to Vāstu/technical terminology: wind-driven motion and “onward flow” language can relate to practical considerations like ventilation, directional winds, or mechanical devices described in Vāstuvidyā-style sections, with the term “Pravahastena” explained by its function.