Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — Cosmic Architecture of Sun–Moon and the ‘Houses of the Gods’

Devanagari script

वसन्ते चैव ग्रीष्मे च शनैः संतपते त्रिभिः वर्षासु च शरद्येवं चतुर्भिः संप्रवर्षति //

Transliteration

vasante caiva grīṣme ca śanaiḥ saṃtapate tribhiḥ varṣāsu ca śaradyevaṃ caturbhiḥ saṃpravarṣati //

Translation

In spring and in summer it gradually scorches for three months; and in the rainy season—and likewise in autumn—it pours down rain for four months.

Word by Word

• वसन्ते: in spring

• च एव: and indeed

• ग्रीष्मे: in summer

• च: and

• शनैः: gradually

• संतपते: heats/scorches

• त्रिभिः: with three (months)

• वर्षासु: in the rains/rainy season

• च: and

• शरदि: in autumn

• एवम्: thus

• चतुर्भिः: with four (months)

• संप्रवर्षति: rains down/pours abundantly

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within Matsya Purana’s didactic dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Vasanta (Spring)
• Grishma (Summer)
• Varsha (Monsoon)
• Sharad (Autumn)

Tags

• Ritu
• Cosmology
• Kalachakra
• Rainfall
• Seasonal science

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it outlines the orderly, cyclical functioning of time (ṛtu/seasonal rhythm), a sign of cosmic regulation that contrasts with the disorder of dissolution.

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

By mapping heat and rainfall to fixed seasonal spans, it supports planning for agriculture, taxation, storage, travel, and public works—core royal and household responsibilities tied to monsoon and harvest timing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Seasonal knowledge guides Vastu and ritual scheduling: heavy construction, plastering, consecrations, and water-management works are typically aligned with dry vs. rainy months to avoid structural damage and ensure ritual readiness.