Shloka 58

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

Devanagari script

तथैव बाह्यतः सूर्यो भ्रमते मण्डलानि तु उद्वेष्टयन्वै वेगेन मण्डलानि तु गच्छति //

Transliteration

tathaiva bāhyataḥ sūryo bhramate maṇḍalāni tu udveṣṭayanvai vegena maṇḍalāni tu gacchati //

Translation

In the same manner, the Sun moves in the outer region, revolving through the celestial circles; indeed, swiftly winding around them, he proceeds along those orbits.

Word by Word

• तथैव: in the same way

• बाह्यतः: on the outside/externally

• सूर्यः: the Sun

• भ्रमते: revolves, moves in a circular course

• मण्डलानि: circles/orbs/orbits (celestial spheres)

• तु: and/indeed

• उद्वेष्टयन्: winding around, encircling

• वै: indeed, certainly

• वेगेन: with speed, swiftly

• गच्छति: goes, proceeds

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (Sun)
• Mandala (celestial orbit/circle)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Solar motion
• Puranic astronomy
• Mandala

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya directly; it gives a cosmological account of the Sun’s swift revolution through celestial mandalas, supporting the Purana’s broader ordered-universe framework rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it reinforces the idea of ṛta (cosmic order): just as the Sun follows a regulated course, kings and householders are expected to uphold regularity—timekeeping, calendrical rites, and disciplined governance aligned with dharma.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the Sun’s mandala-motion underlies calendrical calculations for sacrifices, fasts, and temple festivals; architecturally, mandala language also resonates with sacred diagrams (vāstu/maṇḍala) used to align structures and rites with cosmic order.