Shloka 4

सूर्यरथ-रचना, ध्रुव-प्रेरणा, मास-गणाः च

Jyotish-chakra: Surya’s Motion and Monthly Retinues

Devanagari script

नवयोजनसाहस्रो विस्तारायामतः स्मृतः द्विगुणो ऽपि रथोपस्थाद् ईषादण्डः प्रमाणतः

Transliteration

navayojanasāhasro vistārāyāmataḥ smṛtaḥ dviguṇo 'pi rathopasthād īṣādaṇḍaḥ pramāṇataḥ

Translation

Its breadth and length are taught to be nine thousand yojanas; and by the stated measure, the pole-shaft (īṣā-daṇḍa) extending from the chariot-platform is said to be twice that dimension.

Word by Word

• नव (nava): nine

• योजन (yojana): yojana (a unit of distance)

• साहस्रः (sāhasraḥ): thousand

• विस्तार (vistāra): breadth/width

• आयामतः (āyāmataḥ): in length/extent

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/declared

• द्विगुणः (dviguṇaḥ): double/twice

• अपि (api): also/indeed

• रथोपस्थात् (rathopasthāt): from the chariot-seat/platform

• ईषादण्डः (īṣādaṇḍaḥ): pole-shaft/drawbar

• प्रमाणतः (pramāṇataḥ): according to measure/standard.

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating to the sages of Naimisharanya)

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It emphasizes pramāṇa—exact canonical proportion—showing that Shaiva worship and installations are grounded in precise sacred measurements, aligning the ritual form with cosmic order.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By presenting vast, orderly dimensions, it indirectly points to Shiva as Pati—the transcendent Lord whose manifestation governs measure and order, while pashus (souls) approach Him through disciplined, well-formed rites.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Ritual practice (kriyā) is highlighted: correct construction/measurement for sacred implements or vehicles used in Shaiva rites—supporting the Pashupata ideal that disciplined action reduces pasha (bondage) and steadies devotion toward Pati.