Shloka 5

Matsya Purana — Measures of Time: Caturyuga Computation

Devanagari script

अहोरात्रे विभजते सूर्यो मानुषलौकिके रात्रिः स्वप्नाय भूतानां चेष्टायै कर्मणामहः //

Transliteration

ahorātre vibhajate sūryo mānuṣalaukike rātriḥ svapnāya bhūtānāṃ ceṣṭāyai karmaṇāmahaḥ //

Translation

In the human world, the Sun apportions time into day and night: night is for the sleep of beings, and day is for activity and the performance of duties.

Word by Word

• ahorātre: day and night

• vibhajate: divides/apportions

• sūryaḥ (sūryo): the Sun

• mānuṣa-laukike: in the human realm/world

• rātriḥ: night

• svapnāya: for sleep

• bhūtānām: of beings/creatures

• ceṣṭāyai: for movement/effort/activity

• karmaṇām: of actions/duties/works

• ahaḥ: day

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (the Sun)

Tags

• Kala
• Dharma
• DailyRoutine
• Cosmology
• Ahoratra

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it explains the orderly cosmic function of the Sun in regulating human time—day for action and night for rest—reflecting sustained cosmic order rather than dissolution.

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

It supports dharmic time-discipline: a householder (and a king) should align work, governance, rituals, and responsibilities with daytime activity, while reserving night primarily for rest—promoting effective, righteous conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vastu or temple rule is stated, but the principle underlies ritual scheduling: many rites and daily observances are prescribed by day/night divisions governed by Surya’s timekeeping.