Shloka 51

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

Devanagari script

चन्द्रार्कग्रहनक्षत्रेष्व् अभिमानी प्रकीर्तितः स्थानान्येतानि चोक्तानि स्थानिन्यश्चैव देवताः //

Transliteration

candrārkagrahanakṣatreṣv abhimānī prakīrtitaḥ sthānānyetāni coktāni sthāninyaścaiva devatāḥ //

Translation

He is proclaimed as the abhimānī, the presiding power over the Moon, the Sun, eclipses, and the lunar mansions (nakṣatras). Thus these stations have been stated, together with the deities who abide in those stations.

Word by Word

• चन्द्र (candra): the Moon

• अर्क (arka): the Sun

• ग्रह (graha): seizer/planet, here eclipsing force

• नक्षत्रेषु (nakṣatreṣu): among the nakshatras (lunar mansions)

• अभिमानी (abhimānī): presiding spirit, superintendent, indwelling authority

• प्रकीर्तितः (prakīrtitaḥ): is declared/proclaimed

• स्थानानि (sthānāni): stations/abodes/positions

• एतानि (etāni): these

• च (ca): and

• उक्तानि (uktāni): have been stated

• स्थानिन्यः (sthāninyaḥ): those who are stationed/abiding (feminine plural, i.e., resident powers)

• चैव (caiva): and indeed

• देवताः (devatāḥ): deities

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution within the Matsya Purana’s instructional dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Candra (Moon)
• Arka/Sūrya (Sun)
• Graha (eclipse/seizing force)
• Nakṣatras (lunar mansions)
• Abhimānī (presiding deity principle)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Graha-Nakshatra
• Ritual timing
• Puranic astronomy

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it frames the cosmos as governed by presiding intelligences (abhimānī devatās) over celestial bodies—an order that Puranas treat as part of the maintained structure of the universe between cycles.

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

By asserting resident deities over Sun, Moon, eclipses, and nakshatras, it supports the dharmic practice of choosing proper times (muhūrta) for rites, governance decisions, consecrations, travel, and life-cycle sacraments—key duties for householders and kings in Purāṇic ethics.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it justifies nakshatra–graha based timing and propitiation (especially around eclipses). Architecturally (by application), such astral rulership underlies selecting auspicious days for temple-building, installation (pratiṣṭhā), and Vastu rites—often marketed as “Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips” for muhūrta selection.