Shloka 47

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

अहोरात्रात्पतंगस्य गतिरेषा विधीयते दक्षिणादिङ्निवृत्तो ऽसौ विषुवस्थो यदा रविः //

Transliteration

ahorātrātpataṃgasya gatireṣā vidhīyate dakṣiṇādiṅnivṛtto 'sau viṣuvastho yadā raviḥ //

Translation

This is the course of the Sun (the sky-going ‘pataṅga’) as determined through the day-and-night cycle: when Ravi (the Sun) has turned back from the southern direction, he is said to stand at the viṣuva (equinox).

Word by Word

• ahorātrāt: from/with reference to day and night (the full day–night cycle)

• pataṃgasya: of the Sun (lit. ‘the flyer’, ‘insect/bird’ used poetically for the Sun)

• gatiḥ: movement, course

• eṣā: this

• vidhīyate: is prescribed/determined/defined

• dakṣiṇa-diṅ-nivṛttaḥ: turned back from the southern quarter (having ceased moving southward)

• asau: that (Sun)

• viṣuva-sthaḥ: stationed at viṣuva, at the equinox (equal day and night)

• yadā: when

• raviḥ: the Sun.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the didactic narration of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Ravi (Sun)
• Viṣuva (Equinox)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Kalavidhi
• Equinox
• SolarMotion
• Ahoratra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it is a technical calendrical/astronomical note defining the Sun’s course and the equinox (viṣuva) as a marker of equal day and night.

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

By identifying the Sun’s turning and the equinox, the verse supports correct timing for vows, seasonal observances, and state/household rituals that depend on accurate calendrical reckoning (kāla-nirṇaya).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, equinox/seasonal markers guide the scheduling of yajñas, vratas, and temple festivals; indirectly, such solar-direction knowledge also underpins traditional orientation practices used in Vastu and temple planning.