Shloka 8

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

Devanagari script

तेषां भेदश्च योगश्च तथा कालस्य निश्चयः अस्तोदयास्तथोत्पाता अयने दक्षिणोत्तरे //

Transliteration

teṣāṃ bhedaśca yogaśca tathā kālasya niścayaḥ astodayāstathotpātā ayane dakṣiṇottare //

Translation

Their classifications, the (astronomical) yogas, and the determination of time are to be explained, as well as settings and risings, and likewise portents—within the Sun’s two courses, the southern (dakṣiṇāyana) and the northern (uttarāyaṇa).

Word by Word

• teṣām: of those (previously mentioned astronomical factors)

• bhedaḥ: distinctions, classifications

• ca: and

• yogaḥ: yoga (astronomical combination/union, a calendrical factor)

• ca: and

• tathā: likewise

• kālasya: of time

• niścayaḥ: ascertainment, determination

• asta-udayāḥ: settings and risings (of luminaries)

• tathā: and also

• utpātāḥ: portents, ominous phenomena

• ayane: in the two ayanas/solar courses

• dakṣiṇa-uttare: southern and northern (dakṣiṇāyana and uttarāyaṇa).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Dakshinayana
• Uttarayana
• Yoga (Jyotisha)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Kala-Nirnaya
• Uttarayana
• Dakshinayana
• Utpata

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing pralaya; it outlines a Jyotiṣa-style framework—classifications, yogas, and time-determination—used to read cosmic order through solar courses, risings/settings, and portents.

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

By emphasizing kāla-niścaya (accurate determination of time) and yogas/ayanas, it supports dharmic governance and household observance: choosing proper timings for rites, state ceremonies, vows, and public decisions while heeding inauspicious utpātas.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to selecting auspicious periods based on yoga, uttarāyaṇa/dakṣiṇāyana, and astronomical risings/settings; such calendrical factors are commonly applied when scheduling consecrations, installations, and major temple rites.