Shloka 81

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

प्रातःकालो मुहूर्तांस् त्रीन् संगवस् तावदेव तु मध्याह्नस्त्रिमुहूर्तः स्याद् अपराह्णस्ततः परम् //

Transliteration

prātaḥkālo muhūrtāṃs trīn saṃgavas tāvadeva tu madhyāhnastrimuhūrtaḥ syād aparāhṇastataḥ param //

Translation

The morning consists of three muhūrtas; the forenoon (saṅgava) is of the same duration. Midday comprises three muhūrtas, and thereafter comes the afternoon (aparāhṇa).

Word by Word

• prātaḥ-kālaḥ: morning-time

• muhūrtān: muhūrtas (time-units)

• trīn: three

• saṅgavaḥ: forenoon period

• tāvat eva: just so much/as much as that

• tu: and/indeed

• madhyāhnaḥ: midday

• tri-muhūrtaḥ: consisting of three muhūrtas

• syāt: is/should be

• aparāhṇaḥ: afternoon

• tataḥ param: after that/thereafter

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Muhūrta
• Saṅgava
• Madhyāhna
• Aparāhṇa

Tags

• Kala
• Muhūrta
• Ritual Timing
• Dharma
• Matsya Purana

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it defines practical divisions of daytime into muhūrtas used for ritual and disciplined living.

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

It supplies a time-framework for scheduling daily rites (sandhyā, pūjā, charity, judicial/administrative work), helping kings and householders align actions with prescribed periods of the day.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Muhūrta-based day divisions are foundational for selecting auspicious times (muhūrta) for rites and for Vastu/temple activities such as ground-breaking, installation, and consecration.