Shloka 10
Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots
आदित्यनिलयो राहुः सोमं गच्छति पर्वसु आदित्यमेति सोमाच्च तमसो ऽन्तेषु पर्वसु //
ādityanilayo rāhuḥ somaṃ gacchati parvasu ādityameti somācca tamaso 'nteṣu parvasu //
Rāhu, whose station is near the Sun, approaches the Moon at the junction-points (parvan) of time; and from the Moon he proceeds to the Sun—thus, at the endings of those darkening phases, he moves along the parvans.
FAQs
It does not describe pralaya directly; it explains a recurring cosmic process—Rāhu’s approach to the Moon and Sun at parvan junctions—showing how periodic darkness (eclipse-like obscuration) is integrated into the Purāṇic order of time.
By highlighting parvan junctions (new/full-moon nodes), it supports correct calendrical awareness for royal governance and household observances—timing rites, fasts, śrāddha, and public ceremonies according to auspicious/inauspicious astronomical junctions.
Ritually, parvan times are key for vrata and dāna; the verse implies that eclipse-related darkness is time-bound and predictable, informing temple and household ritual scheduling (e.g., purification, bathing, and post-eclipse offerings).