Shloka 10

Matsya Purana — Navagraha Sacrifice for Planetary Pacification and Prosperity

Devanagari script

सूर्यः सोमस्तथा भौमो बुधजीवसितार्कजाः राहुः केतुरिति प्रोक्ता ग्रहा लोकहितावहाः //

Transliteration

sūryaḥ somastathā bhaumo budhajīvasitārkajāḥ rāhuḥ keturiti proktā grahā lokahitāvahāḥ //

Translation

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, along with Rahu and Ketu—these are declared to be the grahas (planets), bearers of welfare for the world.

Word by Word

• सूर्यः: the Sun

• सोमः: the Moon

• तथा: and also

• भौमः: Mars

• बुधः: Mercury

• जीवः: Jupiter

• सितः: Venus

• अर्कजः: Saturn (son of Arka/Sun)

• राहुः: Rahu

• केतुः: Ketu

• इति: thus

• प्रोक्ता: are declared/said

• ग्रहाः: planets/seizers (grahas)

• लोक-हित-आवहाः: bringing welfare/benefit to the world

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya
• Soma
• Bhauma (Mangala)
• Budha
• Jiva (Brihaspati)
• Sita (Shukra)
• Arkaja (Shani)
• Rahu
• Ketu

Tags

• Navagraha
• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Ritual Timing
• Dharma

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it classifies the nine grahas (Navagrahas) and frames them as forces that uphold worldly order and welfare, a cosmological principle that supports stability rather than dissolution.

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

By identifying the Navagrahas as loka-hitāvaha (world-benefiting), the verse supports the Dharmic practice of choosing proper times (muhūrta) and performing graha-related rites for governance, agriculture, marriage, travel, and public welfare—core concerns for kings and householders.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underpins Navagraha worship and graha-shanti observances; architecturally, it aligns with the common Vastu/temple practice of incorporating Navagraha placement or Navagraha shrines and selecting auspicious construction timings using graha considerations.