Shloka 9

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

Devanagari script

विषुवद्ग्रहवर्णश्च सर्वमेतद्ध्रुवेरितम् जीमूता नाम ते मेघा यदेभ्यो जीवसम्भवः //

Transliteration

viṣuvadgrahavarṇaśca sarvametaddhruveritam jīmūtā nāma te meghā yadebhyo jīvasambhavaḥ //

Translation

Their colours at the equinoxes and in relation to the planets—all of this is said to be governed by Dhruva. Those clouds are called jīmūtas, and from them living beings come into existence.

Word by Word

• viṣuvat: equinox

• graha: planet (celestial body)

• varṇaḥ/varṇaś: colour, appearance

• ca: and

• sarvam: all

• etat: this

• dhruva-īritam: directed/regulated by Dhruva (the Pole Star, Dhruva)

• jīmūtāḥ: jīmūtas (a class/name of clouds)

• nāma: by name/indeed called

• te: those

• meghāḥ: clouds

• yat-ebhyaḥ: from which/from them

• jīva-sambhavaḥ: the arising/origin of living beings.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva
• Grahas (planets)
• Jīmūta (clouds)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Astronomy
• Clouds
• Creation
• Puranic Science

FAQs

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

It focuses on ongoing cosmic order rather than dissolution: Dhruva is presented as a regulator of celestial/seasonal phenomena, and clouds (jīmūtas) are described as a proximate source for the emergence of living beings through life-sustaining rains.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ethic of governance aligned with ṛta (cosmic order): kings and householders depend on seasonal regularity and rainfall for agriculture and welfare, so they are urged to uphold dharma and perform rites that sustain prosperity and timely rains.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it aligns with timing practices: equinoxes and planetary considerations are traditional markers for selecting auspicious periods for yajñas, consecrations, and temple rites—reflecting the Matsya Purana’s broader concern with aligning human action to cosmic rhythms.