Shloka 4

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

त्रींल्लोकान्प्रति सामान्यात् सूर्यो यात्यविलम्बतः अचिरात्तु प्रकाशेन अवनात्तु रविः स्मृतः //

Transliteration

trīṃllokānprati sāmānyāt sūryo yātyavilambataḥ acirāttu prakāśena avanāttu raviḥ smṛtaḥ //

Translation

Because his influence is shared by the three worlds, the Sun moves without delay; and by his swift diffusion of light he is remembered as Ravi, the one who inclines beings toward activity and life.

Word by Word

• त्रींल्लोकान् (trīṁl lokān): the three worlds

• प्रति (prati): toward/with respect to

• सामान्यात् (sāmānyāt): from commonness, from being universally shared

• सूर्यः (sūryaḥ): the Sun

• याति (yāti): goes, moves

• अविलम्बतः (avilambataḥ): without delay, without lingering

• अचिरात् (acirāt): quickly, in a short time

• तु (tu): and/indeed

• प्रकाशेन (prakāśena): by light, by illumination

• अवनात् (avanāt): from causing inclination/bending down, from impelling

• रविः (raviḥ): Ravi (a name of the Sun)

• स्मृतः (smṛtaḥ): is remembered/called.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s didactic narration on cosmic order)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya
• Ravi
• Three Worlds (Trailokya)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Surya
• Astronomy
• Puranic Science
• Dharma (cosmic order)

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes the Sun’s universal function across the three worlds—an aspect of stable cosmic order that underlies cycles of creation and dissolution.

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

By presenting the Sun as prompt and universally beneficial, the verse implies an ethical model: rulers and householders should act without delay in their responsibilities and provide welfare impartially, like sunlight shared across all realms.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a Vāstu rule itself, the verse supports ritual and temple logic that prioritizes sunlight (Surya) for auspiciousness—often reflected in east-facing orientations and practices that honor solar illumination.