Shloka 46

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

Devanagari script

युगाक्षकोटी ते तस्य अर्थकामावुभौ स्मृतौ सप्ताश्वरूपाश्छन्दांसि वहन्ते वायुरंहसा //

Transliteration

yugākṣakoṭī te tasya arthakāmāvubhau smṛtau saptāśvarūpāśchandāṃsi vahante vāyuraṃhasā //

Translation

The “yuga” and the “akṣa” are spoken of as his pair of wheels; and Artha and Kāma are remembered as his two ends (aims). The Vedic metres, taking the form of seven horses, carry him forward with the swiftness of the wind.

Word by Word

• yuga: an age (yuga), also a yoke/gear (poetic double sense)

• akṣa: axle, also dice/axis (here: axle/wheel-assembly)

• koṭī: end, point, extremity

• te: these

• tasya: of him/that (of the cosmic principle/time-chariot)

• artha: worldly prosperity, purpose

• kāma: desire, enjoyment

• ubhau: both

• smṛtau: are remembered/declared

• sapta: seven

• aśva-rūpāḥ: having the form of horses

• chandāṃsi: Vedic metres/prosodic forms

• vahante: they carry/they convey

• vāyu-raṃhasā: with the speed/impetus of the wind.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Yuga
• Akṣa
• Artha
• Kāma
• Chandas (Vedic metres)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Puranic time
• Chandas
• Dharma-Artha-Kama
• Symbolism

FAQs

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

It frames cosmic time as a moving ‘chariot’ driven by the metres (chandas), implying an ordered, rhythmic progression of ages—an underlying structure that continues through cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

By naming Artha and Kāma as paired ‘ends,’ the verse hints that worldly aims must be understood within the larger discipline of time and order; for kings and householders, prosperity and desire should be pursued in a regulated, dharma-aligned way rather than impulsively.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates chandas (Vedic metres) as the ‘horses’ powering sacred order—supporting the idea that correct metrical recitation and liturgical precision are foundational to effective rites, even when no direct Vāstu rule is being stated.