Shloka 36

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

Devanagari script

स्रवतिः स्यन्दनार्थे च धातुरेष निगद्यते स्रवणात्तेजसश्चैव तेनासौ सविता स्मृतः //

Transliteration

sravatiḥ syandanārthe ca dhātureṣa nigadyate sravaṇāttejasaścaiva tenāsau savitā smṛtaḥ //

Translation

The verbal root “srav-” is stated to mean ‘flowing’ or ‘pouring forth’. Because he causes radiance and heat to flow out, he is therefore remembered as Savitṛ—the Sun, the Impeller.

Word by Word

• स्रवतिः (sravatiḥ): ‘it flows’/the root srav-

• स्यन्दनार्थे (syandanārthe): in the sense of flowing, streaming

• च (ca): and

• धातुः (dhātuḥ): verbal root

• एषः (eṣaḥ): this

• निगद्यते (nigadyate): is declared/said

• स्रवणात् (sravaṇāt): from causing to flow/through outflow

• तेजसः (tejasaḥ): of radiance, fiery energy

• च (ca): and

• एव (eva): indeed

• तेन (tena): therefore/by that

• असौ (asau): he (that deity)

• सविता (savitā): Savitṛ, the Sun as impeller

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/called.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Savitṛ (Sun deity)

Tags

• Solar theology
• Nirukti
• Deity names
• Cosmology
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it explains the Sun’s name (Savitṛ) as the one who ‘makes radiance flow’, supporting the Purāṇic idea that cosmic order is sustained through solar energy and illumination.

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

By defining Savitṛ as the ‘impeller’ who pours forth light, the verse underlines a dharmic model: a king (or householder) should likewise ‘set things in motion’—maintaining order, clarity, and welfare, as the Sun sustains life through its steady giving.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Indirectly, it supports solar-oriented ritual timing: Savitṛ is linked with energizing radiance, which aligns with Vedic/Purāṇic practice of performing key rites at sunrise and with temple/altar orientations that honor the Sun’s life-giving flow.