Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Dhruva as Cosmic Pivot: Motions of Sun–Moon–Planets

Devanagari script

द्वितीय आवहन्वायुर् मेघास्ते त्वभिसंश्रिताः इतो योजनमात्राच्च अध्यर्धविकृता अपि //

Transliteration

dvitīya āvahanvāyur meghāste tvabhisaṃśritāḥ ito yojanamātrācca adhyardhavikṛtā api //

Translation

The second is the ‘āvahana’ wind: those clouds are borne and pressed onward by it. Even from a distance of only a yojana from here, they appear distorted—by a measure of one-and-a-half in their form.

Word by Word

द्वितीयःthe second

आवहन-वायुःthe ‘āvahana’ wind (a wind that carries/draws in and drives clouds)

मेघाःclouds

तेthose

तुindeed

अभिसंश्रिताःclosely attached/impelled/pressed forward (borne along)

इतःfrom here

योजन-मात्रात्from a distance of one yojana

चand

अध्यर्धone-and-a-half (a measure indicating increased/distorted appearance)

विकृताःaltered, deformed, distorted

अपिeven

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

Āvahana-vāyuMegha (clouds)Yojana (distance measure)

FAQs

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

It describes a specific named wind that drives clouds and produces abnormal, distorted appearances—an atmospheric omen consistent with the Purana’s portrayal of destabilized natural order during Pralaya-related events.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purana’s ethic of vigilance: rulers and householders should heed unusual natural signs as warnings, prompting protective measures (rituals, provisioning, and orderly governance) when large-scale calamity is impending.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu rule is stated here; the practical takeaway is ritual/observational—recognizing abnormal winds and cloud behavior as portents that may warrant appeasement rites (śānti) and preparedness rather than construction activity.