Shloka 25

Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots

Devanagari script

एष तारामयः स्तम्भो नास्तमेति न वोदयम् नक्षत्रचन्द्रसूर्याश्च ग्रहास्तारागणैः सह //

Transliteration

eṣa tārāmayaḥ stambho nāstameti na vodayam nakṣatracandrasūryāśca grahāstārāgaṇaiḥ saha //

Translation

This is the star-made cosmic pillar: it neither sets nor truly rises. Along with it are the constellations, the Moon and the Sun, and the planets together with the hosts of stars.

Word by Word

• eṣaḥ: this

• tārā-mayaḥ: consisting of stars, star-formed

• stambhaḥ: pillar, column (cosmic axis)

• na astameti: does not set

• na vā udayam: nor (does it have) rising

• nakṣatra: constellations/lunar mansions

• candra: the Moon

• sūryaḥ: the Sun

• ca: and

• grahāḥ: planets (seizers)

• tārā-gaṇaiḥ: with groups/hosts of stars

• saha: together with

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Nakshatras (constellations)
• Chandra (Moon)
• Surya (Sun)
• Grahas (planets)
• Tara-gana (hosts of stars)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Astronomy
• Puranic cosmography
• Matsya Purana teachings

FAQs

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

It presents a stable cosmic reference—the star-formed “pillar” that neither rises nor sets—implying an enduring astral order that can be described even when discussing vast cosmic cycles such as pralaya.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through cosmic order: in Purāṇic thought, rulers and householders align calendars, rituals, and auspicious timings with the Sun, Moon, nakṣatras, and grahas—maintaining social and ritual harmony.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it underpins nakṣatra–graha based timing (muhūrta) for consecrations and rites; architecturally, it supports orientation principles (solar/lunar directions) used in temple planning and Vastu-aligned layouts, even though no specific building rule is stated in this verse.