Shloka 12

Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots

Devanagari script

एते वाहा ग्रहाणां वै मया प्रोक्ता रथैः सह सर्वे ध्रुवे निबद्धास्ते निबद्धा वातरश्मिभिः //

Transliteration

ete vāhā grahāṇāṃ vai mayā proktā rathaiḥ saha sarve dhruve nibaddhāste nibaddhā vātaraśmibhiḥ //

Translation

Thus have I described the steeds of the planets, together with their chariots. All of them are fastened to Dhruva (the Pole Star), being bound by cords made of the rays of wind.

Word by Word

• ete: these

• vāhāḥ: steeds/draft-animals

• grahāṇām: of the planets (grahas)

• vai: indeed

• mayā: by me

• proktāḥ: declared/described

• rathaiḥ saha: together with (their) chariots

• sarve: all

• dhruve: to Dhruva (Pole Star)

• nibaddhāḥ: bound/fastened

• te: they

• vātaraśmibhiḥ: by wind-rays/wind-cords (currents conceived as rays/ropes)

• nibaddhāḥ: bound.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Grahāḥ (planets)
• Dhruva

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Graha
• Dhruva
• Puranic Astronomy

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it explains cosmic stability during the functioning cosmos, portraying planetary motion as regulated and “tethered” to Dhruva by vātaraśmi (wind-cords), emphasizing order rather than dissolution.

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

Indirectly, it models the Purāṇic ideal of niyati (regulated order): just as grahas move within a fixed cosmic discipline centered on Dhruva, a king and householder should act within dharma—self-restraint, rule-bound governance, and alignment with cosmic/ritual calendars informed by jyotiṣa.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but Dhruva as the cosmic axis supports ritual orientation principles—northward alignment and stable axis symbolism—often echoed in temple/altar orientation and calendrical rites timed with graha considerations.