Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

पर्यासपरिमाणं च चन्द्रादित्यौ प्रकाशतः पर्यासपारिमाण्यात्तु बुधैस्तुल्यं दिवः स्मृतम् //

Transliteration

paryāsaparimāṇaṃ ca candrādityau prakāśataḥ paryāsapārimāṇyāttu budhaistulyaṃ divaḥ smṛtam //

Translation

The measure of the circuit (paryāsa) is made manifest by the Moon and the Sun; and from that very measure of the circuit, the wise likewise declare the extent of the heavenly region (divaḥ) to be of equal measure.

Word by Word

• पर्यास-परिमाणम्: the measure of the circuit/orbit

• च: and

• चन्द्र-आदित्यौ: the Moon and the Sun

• प्रकाशतः: (are) illuminating/make known

• पर्यास-पारिमाण्यात्: from the measure of that circuit

• तु: indeed

• बुधैः: by the wise/learned

• तुल्यम्: equal (in measure)

• दिवः: of heaven/the celestial region

• स्मृतम्: is remembered/declared (in tradition)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s cosmological exposition)

Entities Mentioned

• Candra (Moon)
• Āditya (Sun)
• Budha (the wise/learned)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Astronomy
• Loka-parimana
• Sun-Moon

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya directly; it belongs to cosmography, explaining how the dimensions of celestial space are inferred through the Sun–Moon’s circuit (paryāsa), which would remain a reference-point in descriptions of cosmic order across cycles.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through correct reckoning of time and cosmic order—knowledge used for calendars, rites, and governance. A king and householder rely on such astral measures for auspicious timings (muhūrta) and orderly ritual observance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse itself is astronomical, but its practical ritual value lies in establishing time-reckoning via the Sun and Moon—foundational for scheduling yajñas, vratas, and temple festivals (a key applied interface between Jyotiṣa and ritual practice).