Shloka 48

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

Devanagari script

चक्रमक्षे निबद्धं तु ध्रुवे चाक्षः समर्पितः सहचक्रो भ्रमत्यक्षः सहाक्षो भ्रमति ध्रुवः //

Transliteration

cakramakṣe nibaddhaṃ tu dhruve cākṣaḥ samarpitaḥ sahacakro bhramatyakṣaḥ sahākṣo bhramati dhruvaḥ //

Translation

When the wheel is fastened to the axle, and the axle is set upon the pivot (the fixed point), the axle turns along with the wheel; and the pivot, in that coupled motion, also turns together with the axle.

Word by Word

• cakram: wheel

• akṣe: on/at the axle

• nibaddham: fastened, bound, fixed

• tu: indeed

• dhruve: on the dhruva (fixed pivot/immovable point)

• ca: and

• akṣaḥ: the axle

• samarpitaḥ: placed, set, mounted

• sahacakraḥ: together with the wheel

• bhramati: rotates, turns

• akṣaḥ: the axle

• sahākṣaḥ: together with the axle

• bhramati: rotates

• dhruvaḥ: the pivot/fixed point (technical ‘dhruva’).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, technical exposition within the Matsya Purana’s Vastu/Yantra-oriented material)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva (pivot/fixed point)
• Cakra (wheel)
• Akṣa (axle)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Yantra
• Temple Engineering
• Mechanical Analogy
• Technical Sanskrit

FAQs

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

This verse is not a Pralaya statement; it uses a technical wheel–axle–pivot model to explain coupled motion, a style often used in Vastu/yantra passages rather than flood or dissolution theology.

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

Indirectly, it supports the practical side of dharma: kings and householders sponsor construction, public works, and temples; understanding correct technical principles (stable pivot, properly fixed axle) aligns patronage with safe, well-executed building and craft.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Architecturally, it highlights correct mounting and alignment (dhruva as the fixed point, akṣa as the axle, cakra as the rotating element)—a foundational idea for devices, measurements, and moving components used in construction and temple-work yantras.