Shloka 77

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

Devanagari script

नक्षत्रेषु च युज्यन्ते गच्छन्तो नियतक्रमात् चन्द्रार्कग्रहनक्षत्रा नीचोच्चगृहमाश्रिताः //

Transliteration

nakṣatreṣu ca yujyante gacchanto niyatakramāt candrārkagrahanakṣatrā nīcoccagṛhamāśritāḥ //

Translation

Proceeding in a fixed order, the Moon, the Sun, the planets, and the nakṣatras are yoked in their course to the nakṣatras, abiding by their assigned stations of debilitation (nīca) and exaltation (ucca).

Word by Word

• नक्षत्रेषु (nakṣatreṣu): in/among the nakṣatras (lunar mansions)

• च (ca): and

• युज्यन्ते (yujyante): are yoked/are joined/are linked

• गच्छन्तः (gacchantaḥ): moving, proceeding

• नियतक्रमात् (niyata-kramāt): according to a fixed sequence/order

• चन्द्र (candra): the Moon

• अर्क (arka): the Sun

• ग्रह (graha): planets/seizers

• नक्षत्राः (nakṣatrāḥ): nakṣatras/asterisms

• नीच (nīca): debilitation/low station

• उच्च (ucca): exaltation/high station

• गृहम् (gṛham): house/station

• आश्रिताः (āśritāḥ): resorting to, abiding in, dependent upon

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Chandra (Moon)
• Arka/Surya (Sun)
• Grahas (planets)
• Nakshatras (lunar mansions)
• Neecha (debilitation)
• Uccha (exaltation)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Graha-gati
• Nakshatra
• Neecha-Uccha

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it emphasizes cosmic order—regular, rule-bound motion of luminaries and planets—which the Purana presents as part of the maintained structure of the universe.

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

By highlighting fixed planetary and nakshatra order (including exaltation/debilitation), it supports choosing proper timings (muhūrta) for royal decisions, rites, and household sacraments—an applied dharmic use of jyotiṣa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse underpins ritual/temple and Vastu-related timing: graha–nakṣatra positions, especially uccha/ nīca states, are used to judge auspiciousness for consecrations, foundations, and major ceremonies.