Shloka 69

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

अहस्तु चरते नाभेः सूर्यो वै मण्डलं क्रमात् कुलालचक्रपर्यन्तो यथा चन्द्रो रविस्तथा //

Transliteration

ahastu carate nābheḥ sūryo vai maṇḍalaṃ kramāt kulālacakraparyanto yathā candro ravistathā //

Translation

Without any “hand” to drive it, the Sun steadily moves, in due sequence, along its circular course around the nābhi (the cosmic hub), like the rim of a potter’s wheel; and in the same manner the Moon also moves, just as does the Sun.

Word by Word

• a-hastu: without a hand/without an external agent

• carate: moves, proceeds

• nābheḥ: of/around the navel (hub, central pivot)

• sūryaḥ: the Sun

• vai: indeed

• maṇḍalam: the circle/orb, circular path

• kramāt: in due order, successively/steadily

• kulāla: potter

• cakra: wheel

• paryantaḥ: the rim/outer edge, circumference

• yathā: just as

• candraḥ: the Moon

• raviḥ: the Sun

• tathā: so, in the same way

Speaker

• Sūta (narrating the teaching attributed to Lord Matsya to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (Sun)
• Chandra (Moon)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Astronomy
• Jyotisha
• Puranic physics
• Potter’s wheel analogy

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it emphasizes an ordered cosmic mechanism in which the Sun and Moon move regularly without a visible external ‘driver,’ implying a sustained cosmic order rather than dissolution.

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

By highlighting steady, law-like order in the cosmos, the verse indirectly supports the Purāṇic ethic that rulers and householders should uphold regularity and discipline (niyama) in governance, ritual timing, and daily duties aligned with solar–lunar cycles.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports correct calendrical practice—tithis, months, and auspicious timings depend on Sun–Moon motion; this is often foundational for temple rites, consecrations, and Vastu-aligned muhūrta selection, though no specific building rule is stated in this verse.