Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

तथा शतसहस्राणि दश चान्यानि भागशः सहस्राणि तु द्वात्रिंशच् छतान्यष्टाधिकानि च //

Transliteration

tathā śatasahasrāṇi daśa cānyāni bhāgaśaḥ sahasrāṇi tu dvātriṃśac chatānyaṣṭādhikāni ca //

Translation

Likewise, in due proportion, there are ten additional hundred-thousands; and further there are thirty-two thousands, and also two hundreds increased by eight.

Word by Word

• tathā: likewise/so also

• śata-sahasrāṇi: hundred-thousands (units of 100,000)

• daśa: ten

• ca: and

• anyāni: other/additional

• bhāgaśaḥ: by parts/proportionally

• sahasrāṇi: thousands

• tu: indeed/further

• dvātriṃśat: thirty-two

• chatāni: hundreds

• aṣṭa-adhikāni: increased by eight (i.e., +8)

• ca: and

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Measurements
• Numerical canons
• Proportion (Bhaga)
• Temple architecture rules

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it functions as a technical numerical statement used to standardize counts and proportions—useful for ritual or architectural calculations rather than cosmological dissolution.

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

By prescribing precise numerical/proportional reckoning, it supports dharmic governance and household practice where donations, construction, taxation, and ritual endowments require accurate standardized measures.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It underscores the Matsya Purana’s Vastuvidya emphasis on exact enumeration and proportional division (bhāgaśaḥ), a core requirement for setting out temple dimensions, allocations, and ritual quantities according to rule.