Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

अर्धरात्रं संयमने वारुण्यामस्तमेति च स शीघ्रमेव पर्येति भानुरालातचक्रवत् //

Transliteration

ardharātraṃ saṃyamane vāruṇyāmastameti ca sa śīghrameva paryeti bhānurālātacakravat //

Translation

At midnight, at Saṃyamana, the Sun is said to set in the realm of Varuṇa; and he swiftly completes his circuit—like a firebrand whirled so as to appear a circle.

Word by Word

• अर्धरात्रम्: at midnight

• संयमने: in Saṃyamana (Yama’s city/region, a directional cosmographic point)

• वारुण्याम्: in Varuṇa’s quarter/region (the western oceanic realm)

• अस्तम् एति: goes to setting, disappears from sight

• सः: he (the Sun)

• शीघ्रम् एव: very swiftly

• पर्येति: goes around, makes the round/circuit

• भानुः: the Sun

• आलात-चक्र-वत्: like a firebrand-circle (the circular appearance produced by a rapidly whirled burning stick).

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) recounting the Matsya Purāṇa’s cosmological teaching (ultimately derived from the Matsya–Manu dialogue tradition)

Entities Mentioned

• Varuṇa
• Saṃyamana (Yama)
• Bhānu (Sun)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sun
• Timekeeping
• Jyotisha
• Puranic geography

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it presents a cosmological model of the Sun’s rapid circuit, supporting Purāṇic time-reckoning that remains relevant across cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

By grounding daily and nightly divisions (like midnight) in cosmic order, it underwrites proper timing for royal administration, vows, and household rites—since dharma is performed according to correct kāla (time).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Indirectly, it supports ritual timing (muhūrta, midnight observances) and directional awareness (Varuṇa’s quarter), both of which are used in temple/ritual planning and in aligning activities with the cosmic order.