Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation, Shloka 14

Devanagari script

नव यानि सहस्राणि वर्षाणां मानुषाणि च वर्षाणि नवतिश्चैव ध्रुवसंवत्सरः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

nava yāni sahasrāṇi varṣāṇāṃ mānuṣāṇi ca varṣāṇi navatiścaiva dhruvasaṃvatsaraḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

Nine thousand human years—together with a further ninety years—are traditionally known as the Dhruva-year (dhruva-saṃvatsara).

Word by Word

• नव (nava): nine

• यानि (yāni): which/that amount to

• सहस्राणि (sahasrāṇi): thousands

• वर्षाणाम् (varṣāṇām): of years

• मानुषाणि (mānuṣāṇi): human (pertaining to humans)

• च (ca): and

• वर्षाणि (varṣāṇi): years

• नवतिः (navatiḥ): ninety

• च एव (caiva): and indeed/also

• ध्रुव-संवत्सरः (dhruva-saṃvatsaraḥ): the “Dhruva” year (a fixed named time-unit)

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/declared in tradition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Dhruva
• Saṃvatsara
• Time (Kāla)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Time
• Yuga
• Kalpa
• Manvantara

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it supports Pralaya doctrine by defining precise cosmic time-units: dissolution and re-creation are described as occurring after vast, measured cycles rather than random events.

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

By emphasizing fixed measures of time, it underpins dharma-practice that depends on calendrical reckoning—vows, taxes, rites, festivals, and governance schedules are ideally aligned with recognized time-units.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse itself is chronological, but such time-units are used to time consecrations (pratiṣṭhā), seasonal rites, and other ritual calendars that also guide temple and household ceremonial planning.