Shloka 13

Matsya Purana — Origin of Soma

Devanagari script

तद्दीप्तिरधिका तस्माद् रात्रौ भवति सर्वदा तेनौषधीशः सोमो ऽभूद् द्विजेशश्चापि गद्यते //

Transliteration

taddīptiradhikā tasmād rātrau bhavati sarvadā tenauṣadhīśaḥ somo 'bhūd dvijeśaścāpi gadyate //

Translation

Therefore his radiance is always greater at night; for that reason Soma (the Moon) became the lord of medicinal herbs, and is also praised as the chief among the twice-born (dvija).

Word by Word

• tad-dīptiḥ: that radiance (his light)

• adhikā: greater, increased

• tasmāt: therefore, for that reason

• rātrau: at night

• bhavati: becomes/is

• sarvadā: always

• tena: by that (reason/quality)

• auṣadhī-īśaḥ: lord of herbs/medicinal plants

• somaḥ: Soma, the Moon

• abhūt: became

• dvija-īśaḥ: lord/chief of the twice-born (Brahmins)

• ca api: and also

• gadyate: is said, is proclaimed/praised.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Soma (Chandra)
• Auṣadhīs (medicinal herbs)
• Dvijas (twice-born/Brahmins)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sacred Astronomy
• Soma
• Herbs
• Brahminical Epithets

FAQs

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

This verse is not directly about Pralaya; it explains a cosmic function of Soma (the Moon)—his night-brightness and his role as the lord of herbs—within the Purana’s broader cosmological teaching.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharmic living by grounding ritual and daily life in cosmic order: the householder’s timing of rites (night observances, Soma-related worship) and the king’s duty to protect health and agriculture align with Soma’s governance over herbs and nourishment.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, Soma’s identification as Auṣadhīśa supports Soma/Chandra worship and the sanctity of herbs used in yajña, āyurvedic preparations, and consecrations; there is no explicit Vāstu or temple-measure rule stated in this verse.