Shloka 30

Matsya Purana — Description of Gomedaka and Puṣkara Dvīpas; the Lokāloka Boundary; Ocean Tide...

Devanagari script

उदयतीन्दौ पूर्वे तु समुद्रः पूर्यते सदा प्रक्षीयमाने बहुले क्षीयते ऽस्तमिते च वै //

Transliteration

udayatīndau pūrve tu samudraḥ pūryate sadā prakṣīyamāne bahule kṣīyate 'stamite ca vai //

Translation

When the Moon rises in the east, the ocean is continually filled and swells. When the Moon wanes—indeed, in the dark fortnight—it diminishes; and it also diminishes when the Moon has set.

Word by Word

udayati-indauwhen the Moon is rising

pūrvein the east

tuindeed

samudraḥthe ocean/sea

pūryateis filled, swells

sadāalways, continually

prakṣīyamānewhen (the Moon) is decreasing/waning

bahulein the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa-pakṣa), when darkness predominates

kṣīyatediminishes, recedes

astamitewhen set (at sunset/after setting)

caand

vaiindeed/emphatic particle

Speaker

Suta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s cosmological account; traditionally framed as instruction ultimately traceable to Lord Matsya)

Entities Mentioned

Chandra (Moon)Samudra (Ocean)

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it presents a regular cosmic rhythm—lunar rise, waning, and setting—governing the ocean’s swelling and recession, illustrating orderly cosmic regulation rather than dissolution.

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

By highlighting predictable lunar–ocean cycles, it supports practical governance and household planning—timing travel, coastal works, fishing, trade, and ritual observances connected with lunar days (tithis) and water management.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it implies awareness of tidal behavior when planning settlements, ghats, ports, or temples near coasts/estuaries; ritually, it reinforces the importance of lunar phases for water-related rites and calendrical timing.