Shloka 54
Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions
अभिजित्पूर्वतः स्वातिं नागवीथ्युत्तरास् त्रयः अश्विनी कृत्तिका याम्या नागवीथ्यस् त्रयः स्मृताः //
abhijitpūrvataḥ svātiṃ nāgavīthyuttarās trayaḥ aśvinī kṛttikā yāmyā nāgavīthyas trayaḥ smṛtāḥ //
To the east of Abhijit lies Svātī; these three are remembered as the northern triad of the Nāga-vīthī (serpent star-path). Likewise, Aśvinī and Kṛttikā, together with the southern (yāmyā) one, are remembered as the three of the Nāga-vīthī.
FAQs
This verse does not describe Pralaya; it maps nakshatras into directional ‘vīthīs’ (astral paths), reflecting the Purana’s cosmological ordering rather than dissolution narratives.
By classifying nakshatras and directions, it supports timekeeping and auspicious selection (muhūrta) used by kings and householders for rites, travel, consecrations, and governance according to Jyotiṣa-based planning.
Directional nakshatra groupings inform ritual orientation and calendrical timing; such astral-directional schemes are commonly used to choose auspicious directions/dates for temple rites, installations, and other ceremonies (a Jyotiṣa aid often paired with Vāstu practice).