Shloka 21

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

त्रेता त्रीणि सहस्राणि युगसंख्याविदो विदुः तस्यापि त्रिशती संध्या संध्यांशः संध्यया समः //

Transliteration

tretā trīṇi sahasrāṇi yugasaṃkhyāvido viduḥ tasyāpi triśatī saṃdhyā saṃdhyāṃśaḥ saṃdhyayā samaḥ //

Translation

Those who know the reckoning of the yugas declare that the Tretā-yuga consists of three thousand (divine years). Its twilight period (sandhyā) is three hundred, and its succeeding twilight portion (sandhyāṃśa) is equal to the sandhyā.

Word by Word

• त्रेता (tretā): Tretā-yuga

• त्रीणि (trīṇi): three

• सहस्राणि (sahasrāṇi): thousands

• युगसंख्याविदः (yugasaṃkhyā-vidaḥ): knowers of yuga-calculation

• विदुः (viduḥ): declare/know

• तस्य (tasya): of it

• अपि (api): also

• त्रिशती (triśatī): three hundred

• संध्या (saṃdhyā): junction/twilight period at the beginning of a yuga

• संध्यांशः (saṃdhyāṃśaḥ): twilight-portion (concluding junction)

• संध्यया (saṃdhyayā): with/like the sandhyā

• समः (samaḥ): equal.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu in the Matsya Purana’s dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Tretā-yuga
• Sandhyā
• Sandhyāṃśa

Tags

• Yuga-Calculations
• Cosmic Time
• Manvantara
• Purana Chronology
• Dharma Decline

FAQs

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

It gives the technical chronology of cosmic time (yuga length plus junctions), which is used in Purāṇas to situate recurring creation and dissolution cycles within a measurable framework.

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

By defining yuga-phases and their transitions, it supports the Purāṇic idea that dharma-practice and governance must adapt to the spiritual conditions of each age, especially during transitional “sandhyā” periods.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or temple rule is stated; the key ritual takeaway is the emphasis on “sandhyā” as a sacred junction concept—transitional times are treated as especially significant for discipline, vows, and rites in Purāṇic tradition.