Shloka 63

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

Devanagari script

चन्द्रतः षोडशो भागो भार्गवस्य विधीयते विष्कम्भान्मण्डलाच्चैव योजनानां तु स स्मृतः //

Transliteration

candrataḥ ṣoḍaśo bhāgo bhārgavasya vidhīyate viṣkambhānmaṇḍalāccaiva yojanānāṃ tu sa smṛtaḥ //

Translation

One-sixteenth of the Moon is prescribed as the measure of Bhārgava (Venus); and this is remembered as its extent in yojanas, computed from its diameter and also from the circle of its orbit (maṇḍala).

Word by Word

• candrataḥ: from (the measure of) the Moon

• ṣoḍaśaḥ bhāgaḥ: one-sixteenth part

• bhārgavasya: of Bhārgava (Venus/Śukra)

• vidhīyate: is prescribed/assigned

• viṣkambhāt: from the diameter

• maṇḍalāt ca eva: and also from the circular orbit (maṇḍala)

• yojanānām: in yojanas

• tu: indeed

• saḥ: that (measure)

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/recorded in tradition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Candra (Moon)
• Bhārgava (Śukra/Venus)

Tags

• Cosmography
• Jyotisha
• Planetary measures
• Purāṇic astronomy
• Yojana

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to a cosmographic/astronomical passage defining planetary dimensions and comparative measures (Venus relative to the Moon).

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

Indirectly, such measures support calendrical and astrological computations used for ritual timing (muhūrta) and state/household observances, but the verse itself is technical astronomy rather than ethical instruction.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated; the practical ritual link is that graha-measure and orbital calculations underpin traditional pañcāṅga-based scheduling for yajñas, consecrations, and other rites.