Shloka 17

Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots

Devanagari script

तैलपीडं यथा चक्रं भ्रमते भ्रामयन्ति वै तथा भ्रमन्ति ज्योतींषि वातबद्धानि सर्वशः //

Transliteration

tailapīḍaṃ yathā cakraṃ bhramate bhrāmayanti vai tathā bhramanti jyotīṃṣi vātabaddhāni sarvaśaḥ //

Translation

Just as the wheel of an oil-press turns when it is made to turn, so too the heavenly lights revolve everywhere, being constrained and driven by the power of the Wind (Vāyu).

Word by Word

• तैलपीडम्: an oil-press (oil-mill)

• यथा: just as

• चक्रम्: wheel

• भ्रमते: revolves/turns

• भ्रामयन्ति: (they) cause to turn/impel

• वै: indeed

• तथा: so/likewise

• भ्रमन्ति: revolve

• ज्योतींषि: luminaries (sun, moon, planets, stars)

• वातबद्धानि: bound/held in check by wind (Vāyu)

• सर्वशः: on all sides/everywhere

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Vāyu
• Jyotīṃṣi (celestial luminaries)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Vayu
• Celestial motion
• Purana science simile

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic view of cosmic order: even the luminaries move by a governing force (here, Vāyu). Such regulated motion is part of maintained creation and is contrasted elsewhere with pralaya, when order is withdrawn.

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

By analogy, it implies that orderly movement arises from proper restraint and guidance—just as Vāyu governs the luminaries, a king governs society through dharma and discipline, and a householder governs life through regulated conduct.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu or ritual rule is stated; the verse functions as a technical simile (oil-press wheel) illustrating controlled motion, a style also used in Vāstu sections to explain forces, alignment, and functional design.