Shloka 13

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

Devanagari script

पुष्करा नाम ते पक्षा बृहन्तस्तोयधारिणः पुष्करावर्तका नाम कारणेनेह शब्दिताः //

Transliteration

puṣkarā nāma te pakṣā bṛhantastoyadhāriṇaḥ puṣkarāvartakā nāma kāraṇeneha śabditāḥ //

Translation

Those wings are called Puṣkara—vast, water-bearing masses; and for this very reason they are also spoken of here as Puṣkarāvartakas.

Word by Word

• puṣkarāḥ: ‘Puṣkaras’ (named thus)

• nāma: by name/indeed

• te: those

• pakṣāḥ: wings (also used for ‘sides/masses’, often of clouds)

• bṛhantaḥ: great, vast

• toya-dhāriṇaḥ: bearers of water, rain-laden

• puṣkara-āvartakāḥ: ‘Puṣkarāvartakas’ (those that cause/turn about Puṣkara

• nāma: by name

• kāraṇena: due to the reason/cause

• iha: here (in this context)

• śabditāḥ: are designated, are termed.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Puṣkara
• Puṣkarāvartaka

Tags

• Tirtha
• Sacred Geography
• Rain Clouds
• Etymology
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it focuses on naming and characterizing great rain-bearing formations (often interpreted as clouds) connected with Puṣkara.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic emphasis on sustaining life through water: understanding rain and water-sources underlies righteous governance (irrigation, reservoirs) and household rites dependent on pure water.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse foregrounds water-bearing forces associated with Puṣkara—useful for Vāstu and tirtha practice where site-selection and ritual purity prioritize dependable water presence (lakes, wells, rain patterns).