Shloka 57

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

Devanagari script

अशीतिमण्डलशतं काष्ठयोरुभयोश्चरन् ध्रुवेण मुच्यमानेन पुना रश्मियुगेन च //

Transliteration

aśītimaṇḍalaśataṃ kāṣṭhayorubhayoścaran dhruveṇa mucyamānena punā raśmiyugena ca //

Translation

Moving through one hundred and eighty circular courses along both solstitial paths, it is set in motion by Dhruva, and again by the paired yoke of rays.

Word by Word

• aśīti: eighty

• maṇḍala-śatam: a hundred circuits/spheres (i.e., 180 circles in total)

• kāṣṭhayoḥ: of the two kāṣṭhās (the two solstitial tracks/turnings)

• ubhayoḥ: of both

• caran: moving, traversing

• dhruveṇa: by Dhruva (the Pole Star / fixed pivot)

• mucyamānena: being released/let go, set free (to move)

• punā: again, further

• raśmi-yugena: by the pair/yoke of rays

• ca: and

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purāṇa’s cosmological teaching, traditionally as dialogue traceable to Lord Matsya’s instruction)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Solar motion
• Dhruva
• Mandalas

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing pralaya; it presents a cosmological/astronomical model where celestial motion is regulated around Dhruva and driven by the sun’s rays.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through timekeeping: understanding solar courses underpins calendrical reckoning for rites, festivals, taxation seasons, and orderly governance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it relates to fixing auspicious timings (muhūrta) and seasonal observances; architecturally, such cosmological orientation can inform temple alignment and calendrical consecration schedules rather than giving direct Vāstu rules.