Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — Origins of Gods and Beings: Daksha’s Progeny

Devanagari script

भानोस्तु भानवस्तद्वन् मुहूर्तायां मुहूर्तकाः लम्बायां घोषनामानो नागवीथी तु यामिजा //

Transliteration

bhānostu bhānavastadvan muhūrtāyāṃ muhūrtakāḥ lambāyāṃ ghoṣanāmāno nāgavīthī tu yāmijā //

Translation

In the division called Bhānu, the subdivisions are termed Bhānavas; likewise, in the Muhūrta division they are called Muhūrtakas. In the division called Lambā they are known as Ghoṣa-nāmānaḥ; and the Nāgavīthī division is said to be derived from the Yāmas.

Word by Word

• bhānoḥ: of Bhānu (a named time-division)

• tu: indeed/and

• bhānavāḥ: (those) called Bhānavas (subdivisions/names)

• tadvat: likewise/in the same manner

• muhūrtāyām: in (the division) Muhūrta

• muhūrtakāḥ: (those) called Muhūrtakas

• lambāyām: in (the division) Lambā

• ghoṣa-nāmānaḥ: bearing the name ‘Ghoṣa’/called Ghoṣa

• nāgavīthī: Nāgavīthī (a named time-track/division)

• tu: and

• yāmijā: born from the yāmas/derived from yāma (watches of the day)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhānu
• Bhānava
• Muhūrta
• Muhūrtaka
• Lambā
• Ghoṣa
• Nāgavīthī
• Yāma

Tags

• Kala
• Muhurta
• Yama
• Cosmology
• Timekeeping

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it catalogs technical names for sub-divisions of time, a framework used in Purāṇic cosmology to organize cycles that can culminate in dissolution.

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

By defining time-divisions (muhūrta, yāma, etc.), it supports correct scheduling of royal duties, judicial sessions, household rites, and auspicious activities—since dharmic action is often prescribed with proper ritual timing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The relevance is primarily ritual: muhūrta- and yāma-based divisions are used to fix suitable times for pūjā, consecrations, and other saṃskāras—key to applying Matsya Purana-style ritual timing alongside temple and icon installation practices.