Shloka 53

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

नागवीथ्युत्तरा वीथी ह्य् अजवीथिस् तु दक्षिणा उभे आषाढमूलं तु अजवीथ्यादयस् त्रयः //

Transliteration

nāgavīthyuttarā vīthī hy ajavīthis tu dakṣiṇā ubhe āṣāḍhamūlaṃ tu ajavīthyādayas trayaḥ //

Translation

The Nāga-vīthī is the northern ‘lane’ (vīthī), while the Aja-vīthī is the southern. Both are rooted (begin) in Āṣāḍhā and Mūla; and beginning with the Aja-vīthī there are three such vīthīs in that grouping.

Word by Word

• nāga-vīthī: the Nāga ‘lane/path’ (a named vīthī)

• uttarā: northern

• vīthī: lane/track/path (technical astral division)

• hi: indeed

• aja-vīthiḥ: the Aja ‘lane/path’ (a named vīthī)

• tu: but/and

• dakṣiṇā: southern

• ubhe: both

• āṣāḍhā-mūlam: Āṣāḍhā and Mūla (nakṣatra markers/starting points)

• tu: indeed

• aja-vīthy-ādayaḥ: those beginning with Aja-vīthī

• trayaḥ: three

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the Matsya Purana’s teaching; technical enumeration within the chapter)

Entities Mentioned

• Nāgavīthī
• Ajavīthī
• Āṣāḍhā (nakṣatra)
• Mūla (nakṣatra)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Nakshatra
• Jyotisha
• Directional lore
• Temple planning

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a technical classification of directional vīthīs (astral ‘paths’) tied to nakṣatra markers (Āṣāḍhā, Mūla).

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

It supports dharmic decision-making by grounding timing and orientation in traditional astral divisions—useful for rulers and householders when fixing auspicious directions/times for foundations, consecrations, or public works.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse assigns Nāgavīthī to the north and Ajavīthī to the south, and links them to Āṣāḍhā–Mūla markers—guidance that can be applied in Vastu-oriented orientation and in selecting ritual timings aligned with nakṣatra-based schemes.