Shloka 65

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

अभ्यन्तरं स पर्येति मण्डलान्युत्तरायणे बाह्यतो दक्षिणेनैव सततं सूर्यमण्डलम् //

Transliteration

abhyantaraṃ sa paryeti maṇḍalānyuttarāyaṇe bāhyato dakṣiṇenaiva satataṃ sūryamaṇḍalam //

Translation

During uttarāyaṇa, the Sun traverses the inner set of orbital circles; but during dakṣiṇāyana, it continually moves along the outer path around the solar sphere.

Word by Word

• abhyaṇtaram: inner (route)

• saḥ: he (the Sun)

• paryeti: goes around/traverses

• maṇḍalāni: circles/orbital zones

• uttarāyaṇe: in the northward course

• bāhyataḥ: from the outside/along the outer path

• dakṣiṇena eva: by the southern (course) alone/indeed in dakṣiṇāyana

• satatam: continually

• sūryamaṇḍalam: the solar sphere/solar disc (system)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, describing cosmological motion)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (the Sun)
• Uttarayana
• Dakshinayana
• Surya-mandala

Tags

• Cosmology
• Astronomy
• Surya
• Uttarayana
• Dakshinayana

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it focuses on cosmic order—how the Sun’s motion is regulated through inner and outer mandalas—supporting the Purana’s broader view of a structured, law-governed universe.

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

By clarifying uttarāyaṇa/dakṣiṇāyana, it underpins correct calendrical timing for rites, festivals, and governance—kings and householders rely on such solar cycles to schedule dharmic observances and state rituals.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, uttarāyaṇa and dakṣiṇāyana are key markers for choosing auspicious periods; such solar-cycle awareness also informs temple calendars and consecration scheduling (pratiṣṭhā, utsava timing) in Puranic practice.