Shloka 58

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

एतास्तु वीथयस् तिस्रो मध्यमो मार्ग उच्यते हस्तश्चित्रा तथा स्वाती ह्य् अजवीथिरिति स्मृता //

Transliteration

etāstu vīthayas tisro madhyamo mārga ucyate hastaścitrā tathā svātī hy ajavīthiriti smṛtā //

Translation

These, indeed, are the three celestial tracks (vīthayas). The middle one is called the Madhyama‑mārga (the Middle Path). Hasta, Citrā, and Svātī—this group is traditionally remembered as the Ajavīthī.

Word by Word

• etāḥ: these

• tu: indeed

• vīthayaḥ: celestial tracks/avenues (astral paths)

• tisraḥ: three

• madhyamaḥ: middle

• mārgaḥ: path/route

• ucyate: is called

• hastaḥ: (the lunar mansion) Hasta

• citrā: (the lunar mansion) Citrā

• tathā: and likewise

• svātī: (the lunar mansion) Svātī

• hi: indeed

• ajavīthiḥ: the Ajavīthī (named astral track/grouping)

• iti: thus

• smṛtā: is remembered/traditionally known.

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) conveying the Matsya Purana’s cosmographical teaching

Entities Mentioned

• Hasta
• Citrā
• Svātī
• Ajavīthī
• Madhyama-mārga
• Vīthayas

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Nakshatras
• Cosmography
• Astral paths
• Matsya Purana astronomy

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya directly; it classifies celestial routes (vīthayas) and identifies a nakshatra grouping (Ajavīthī) within the middle astral path.

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

Indirectly, such nakshatra classifications support timing (muhūrta) and calendrical decisions used by kings and householders for governance, travel, rites, and public works aligned with auspicious astral considerations.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse itself is astronomical, but its practical ritual/temple-use value lies in nakshatra-based electional timing—choosing suitable asterisms for consecrations, foundations, and major ceremonies referenced across Purāṇic and Vāstu traditions.