Shloka 36

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

Devanagari script

ध्रुवेणाधिष्ठितो वायुर् वृष्टिं संहरते पुनः ग्रहन्निवृत्त्या सूर्यात्तु चरते ऋक्षमण्डलम् //

Transliteration

dhruveṇādhiṣṭhito vāyur vṛṣṭiṃ saṃharate punaḥ grahannivṛttyā sūryāttu carate ṛkṣamaṇḍalam //

Translation

The Wind, governed by Dhruva (the Pole Star), again withdraws the rains; and when the planets’ “grasping” ceases (that is, when their obstructive influence ends), the circle of the lunar mansions (ṛkṣamaṇḍala, the nakṣatras) proceeds in relation to the Sun.

Word by Word

• dhruveṇa: by Dhruva (the Pole Star)

• adhiṣṭhitaḥ: governed/overseen/regulated

• vāyuḥ: the wind

• vṛṣṭim: rain/rainfall

• saṃharate: withdraws/draws back/dissolves

• punaḥ: again/once more

• graha-nivṛttyā: by the cessation/withdrawal of the grahas (planets) (also: by the end of ‘seizing’/eclipse-like obstruction)

• sūryāt: from/with reference to the Sun

• tu: and/indeed

• carate: moves/proceeds/circulates

• ṛkṣa-maṇḍalam: the circle/orb of ṛkṣas, i.e., the nakṣatra-zodiac (lunar mansion circle).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu in the Matsya Purāṇa’s discourse framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva
• Vayu
• Surya
• Grahas
• Nakshatras (Ṛkṣa-maṇḍala)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Rainfall
• Dhruva
• Nakshatra

FAQs

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

It does not describe mahā-pralaya directly; it explains cosmic regulation—how winds (under Dhruva’s governance) withdraw rain and how astral order resumes when obstructive planetary influence ceases.

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

By grounding rainfall and time-reckoning in cosmic order, it supports dharmic governance and household planning—agriculture, rites, and festivals depend on predictable seasons and nakṣatra/Sun-based calendrical timing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to nakṣatra–Sūrya based timing (muhūrta) for yajñas, vratas, and consecrations; indirectly relevant to Vāstu/temple works where auspicious times are chosen using nakṣatras and graha conditions.