Shloka 68

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

Devanagari script

योजनार्धप्रमाणानि तेभ्यो ह्रस्वं न विद्यते उपरिष्टात्तु ये तेषां ग्रहा ये क्रूरसात्त्विकाः //

Transliteration

yojanārdhapramāṇāni tebhyo hrasvaṃ na vidyate upariṣṭāttu ye teṣāṃ grahā ye krūrasāttvikāḥ //

Translation

Their measures are half a yojana; among them nothing is found smaller than that. And the planets that lie above them are described as fierce in nature, yet marked by a predominance of sattva.

Word by Word

• yojanārdha-pramāṇāni: having a measure of half a yojana

• tebhyaḥ: than/among those

• hrasvam: shorter, smaller

• na vidyate: is not found/does not exist

• upariṣṭāt: above, higher up

• tu: however/indeed

• ye: which/that

• teṣām: of them/of those

• grahāḥ: planets (grahas)

• ye: which

• krūra-sāttvikāḥ: fierce/harsh yet sattva-predominant (a technical compound describing their disposition/quality).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s discourse; ultimately reflecting the teaching tradition attributed to Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

• Grahāḥ (Planets)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Grahas
• Puranic astronomy
• Measures

FAQs

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

This verse does not directly discuss pralaya; it focuses on cosmographic measurement (yojana-based sizing) and the hierarchical placement and qualities of grahas (planets) within the ordered universe.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic life through jyotiṣa—understanding planetary order and qualities was traditionally used for calendrical timing, rites, and governance decisions, though no explicit royal/householder duty is stated in this verse.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse itself is astronomical, but its emphasis on precise measures (yojana) aligns with the Purāṇic habit of standardizing sacred measurement—an idea that also underpins ritual timing and, by extension, proportional thinking in temple/ritual layouts.