Shloka 49

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

Devanagari script

अक्षः सहैव चक्रेण भ्रमते ऽसौ ध्रुवेरितः एवमर्थवशात्तस्य संनिवेशो रथस्य तु //

Transliteration

akṣaḥ sahaiva cakreṇa bhramate 'sau dhruveritaḥ evamarthavaśāttasya saṃniveśo rathasya tu //

Translation

Driven by the fixed pivot, the axle turns together with the wheel; thus, according to the requirement of its function, the arrangement of the chariot is made in that manner.

Word by Word

• अक्षः (akṣaḥ): axle

• सह एव (saha eva): together indeed

• चक्रेण (cakreṇa): with the wheel

• भ्रमते (bhramate): rotates/turns

• असौ (asau): this/that (axle)

• ध्रुव-ईरितः (dhruva-īritaḥ): impelled by a fixed point/pivot

• एवम् (evam): thus

• अर्थ-वशात् (artha-vaśāt): according to purpose/functional necessity

• तस्य (tasya): of it/its

• संनिवेशः (saṃniveśaḥ): placement/arrangement/design

• रथस्य (rathasya): of the chariot

• तु (tu): indeed/and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in technical instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s didactic dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva (as the fixed pivot concept)
• Ratha (chariot)
• Cakra (wheel)
• Aksha (axle)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Yantra
• Ratha
• Mechanical principle
• Design logic

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it uses a technical example—axle and wheel rotation around a fixed pivot—to explain correct functional arrangement (saṃniveśa) in construction.

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

It supports the dharmic duty of competent governance and household management by emphasizing practical, purpose-based design—build and organize things (vehicles, works, infrastructure) according to function and correct principles.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The key takeaway is the Vastu/technical principle of saṃniveśa: components must be placed in correct relation to a fixed reference (dhruva) so motion and function work as intended—an idea applicable to yantras, vehicles, and precise construction layouts.