Shloka 26

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

Devanagari script

सूर्यो ऽमरत्वममृते त्रयस् त्रिषु नियच्छति एवं रश्मिसहस्रं तु सौरं लोकार्थसाधकम् //

Transliteration

sūryo 'maratvamamṛte trayas triṣu niyacchati evaṃ raśmisahasraṃ tu sauraṃ lokārthasādhakam //

Translation

The Sun, through amṛta, the nectar of immortality, regulates the three (vital principles) in the three (worlds). Thus the solar host of a thousand rays accomplishes the welfare and purpose of the worlds.

Word by Word

• sūryaḥ: the Sun

• amaratvam: immortality

• amṛte: in/through amṛta (nectar, immortality)

• trayaḥ: the three (a triad—commonly understood as vital principles such as heat/light/moisture or the sustaining powers)

• triṣu: in the three (worlds—heaven, mid-region, earth)

• niyacchati: restrains, regulates, governs

• evaṁ: thus, in this manner

• raśmi-sahasram: a thousand rays

• tu: indeed, moreover

• sauram: belonging to the Sun, solar

• loka-artha: the purpose/welfare of the worlds

• sādhakam: accomplishing, effecting.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching on Surya’s cosmic function; ultimately framed within the Manu–Matsya discourse tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya

Tags

• Cosmology
• Surya
• Amrita
• Three Worlds
• Puranic Physics

FAQs

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

It highlights the sustaining order of creation: Surya’s rays regulate life across the three worlds; by implication, when this regulation withdraws, cosmic stability fails—an idea that underlies Pralaya motifs.

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

It models governance: as the Sun regulates without partiality for the welfare of all worlds, a king/householder should practice steady, impartial discipline and life-supporting stewardship (protection, provisioning, and order).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports Surya-upasana and solar timing (daily rites aligned to sunlight). Architecturally, it implies the importance of solar orientation and light in sacred planning—an idea often leveraged in Matsya Purana–style temple and ritual space considerations.