Shloka 3

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

Devanagari script

कश्च भ्रामयते तानि भ्रमन्ति यदि वा स्वयम् एतद्वेदितुम् इच्छामस् ततो निगद सत्तम //

Transliteration

kaśca bhrāmayate tāni bhramanti yadi vā svayam etadveditum icchāmas tato nigada sattama //

Translation

“Who sets them in motion—or do they move of themselves? We wish to know this. Therefore, O best among the good, please declare it.”

Word by Word

• kaḥ ca: who indeed

• bhrāmayate: causes to revolve/sets in motion

• tāni: those (entities, e.g., worlds/planets/cosmic principles)

• bhramanti: move/rotate/wander

• yadi vā: or if

• svayam: by themselves

• etat: this

• veditum: to know

• icchāmaḥ: we desire

• tataḥ: therefore

• nigada: tell/declare

• sat-tama: O best among the virtuous/excellent one

Speaker

• Vaivasvata Manu (inquiry to Lord Matsya / the supreme teacher)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmology
• Agency
• Dharma
• Matsya-Manu Dialogue

FAQs

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

It frames a classic Purāṇic cosmological question—whether cosmic processes run autonomously or under a higher regulator—setting up a teaching often connected with Time (Kāla) and the Supreme as the ultimate mover, themes that also govern Pralaya.

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

By asking about true agency, the verse points to responsible governance and ethical living: a king or householder should act diligently while recognizing a higher order (dharma/kāla/īśvara) that limits ego-driven claims of absolute control.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated here; the verse is a philosophical prompt about causality and governance of motion, which in later Vāstu/ritual contexts is often mirrored in aligning rites and constructions with cosmic order rather than mere human whim.