Shloka 70

Matsya Purana — Division of Bhārata-varṣa

Devanagari script

चन्द्रसूर्यौ सनक्षत्राव् अप्रकाशाविलावृते पद्मप्रभाः पद्मवर्णाः पद्मपत्त्रनिभेक्षणाः //

Transliteration

candrasūryau sanakṣatrāv aprakāśāvilāvṛte padmaprabhāḥ padmavarṇāḥ padmapattranibhekṣaṇāḥ //

Translation

In that all-enveloping obscuration, even the Moon and the Sun—together with the constellations—were without light. Yet beings appeared with lotus-like radiance and lotus-like complexion, their eyes resembling lotus-petals.

Word by Word

• candra-sūryau: the Moon and the Sun

• sa-nakṣatrāv: together with the nakṣatras/constellations

• a-prakāśau: without illumination, non-luminous

• ilā-vṛte: when the earth/world was covered/veiled

• padma-prabhāḥ: having lotus-like radiance

• padma-varṇāḥ: of lotus-like color/complexion

• padma-pattra-nibha-īkṣaṇāḥ: whose eyes are like lotus-petals

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s account; dialogue context traditionally traces back to Lord Matsya’s instruction to Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Candra (Moon)
• Sūrya (Sun)
• Nakṣatras (constellations)
• Padma (lotus)

Tags

• Pralaya
• Cosmology
• Divine radiance
• Puranic imagery
• Creation-dissolution

FAQs

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

It portrays a pralaya-like veiling where the usual cosmic lights (sun, moon, stars) cease to shine, emphasizing dissolution of normal order while a subtler, lotus-like radiance remains perceptible.

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

Indirectly, it underscores impermanence: royal power and household prosperity rely on cosmic order, so the Matsya Purana’s ethical thrust is steadiness in dharma, charity, and restraint even when worldly supports (light, certainty, security) fail.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct vastu rule is stated; ritually, the lotus imagery aligns with purity and auspicious visualization used in worship and iconography—lotus-eyed, lotus-hued qualities are standard markers of divinity in consecration and meditation.