Shloka 7

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

Devanagari script

ध्रुवस्य मनसा यो वै भ्रमते ज्योतिषां गणः वातानीकमयैर् बन्धैर् ध्रुवे बद्धः प्रसर्पति //

Transliteration

dhruvasya manasā yo vai bhramate jyotiṣāṃ gaṇaḥ vātānīkamayair bandhair dhruve baddhaḥ prasarpati //

Translation

The host of luminous bodies indeed revolves in accord with Dhruva’s will; bound to Dhruva by cords made of the moving wind-hosts, it proceeds in its course.

Word by Word

• ध्रुवस्य: of Dhruva (the Pole Star)

• मनसा: by the mind/will

• यः: which

• वै: indeed

• भ्रमते: revolves, circles

• ज्योतिषाम्: of the luminaries (stars/planets)

• गणः: multitude, host

• वातानीकमयैः: made of the hosts/forces of wind (vāta + anīka)

• बन्धैः: by bonds, cords

• ध्रुवे: in/unto Dhruva

• बद्धः: bound, fastened

• प्रसर्पति: moves onward, proceeds, glides (in its orbit)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva
• Jyotiṣa (luminaries)
• Vāta (wind-forces)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Dhruva
• Puranic astronomy
• Manvantara teaching

FAQs

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

It emphasizes cosmic order: even the luminaries move by Dhruva’s governing principle; such ordered motion is a hallmark of sustained creation (sṛṣṭi–sthiti), contrasted with pralaya where order withdraws.

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

By analogy, as the luminaries keep to their paths under a fixed regulator (Dhruva), the king and householder should uphold dharma as the stabilizing ‘pole’ that keeps society’s movements disciplined and beneficial.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Indirectly, Dhruva as the fixed axis supports orientation: Vastu and ritual layouts often privilege cardinal directions and stable reference points—mirroring the idea of a cosmic ‘pole’ guiding orderly arrangement.