Shloka 83

Matsya Purana — Glory of Tīrtha-Śrāddha: Best Times

Devanagari script

अह्नो मुहूर्ता विख्याता दश पञ्च च सर्वदा तत्राष्टमो मुहूर्तो यः स कालः कुतपः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

ahno muhūrtā vikhyātā daśa pañca ca sarvadā tatrāṣṭamo muhūrto yaḥ sa kālaḥ kutapaḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

A day is always known to consist of fifteen muhūrtas; among them, the eighth muhūrta is remembered as the time called Kutapa.

Word by Word

• ahnaḥ: of the day

• muhūrtāḥ: muhūrtas (fixed time-units)

• vikhyātāḥ: are well-known/recognized

• daśa pañca ca: ten and five (i.e., fifteen)

• sarvadā: always

• tatra: among them/there

• aṣṭamaḥ: the eighth

• muhūrtaḥ: muhūrta

• yaḥ: which

• saḥ: that

• kālaḥ: time-period

• kutapaḥ: Kutapa (name of a muhūrta)

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/said to be

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Manu
• Kutapa
• Muhūrta

Tags

• Kala-nirnaya
• Muhūrta
• Ritual timing
• Auspicious time
• Panchanga

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it defines a technical framework of time (muhūrta divisions) used for ritual and calendrical decisions in the Purana.

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

By identifying the Kutapa muhūrta, it supports dharmic duties such as scheduling dāna, śrāddha, vrata, and other rites at prescribed times—key obligations for householders and rulers who uphold public and private ritual order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse gives a named auspicious/ritually significant time-slot (Kutapa), useful for selecting proper timing (muhūrta) for ceremonies, consecrations, and other regulated acts, including temple or Vastu-related rites.