Shloka 70

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

दक्षिणे चक्रवत्सूर्यस् तथा शीघ्रं निवर्तते तस्मात्प्रकृष्टां भूमिं तु कालेनाल्पेन गच्छति //

Transliteration

dakṣiṇe cakravatsūryas tathā śīghraṃ nivartate tasmātprakṛṣṭāṃ bhūmiṃ tu kālenālpena gacchati //

Translation

In the southern direction, the Sun turns back swiftly, as though moving in a circle; therefore, in a short span of time it reaches the excellent, favoured region of the earth.

Word by Word

• दक्षिणे: in the south/southern quarter

• चक्रवत्: like a wheel, in a circular manner

• सूर्यः: the Sun

• तथा: likewise/indeed

• शीघ्रम्: quickly

• निवर्तते: turns back, returns (in its course)

• तस्मात्: therefore

• प्रकृष्टाम्: excellent, superior, distinguished

• भूमिम्: land/region of the earth

• तु: and/indeed

• कालेन अल्पेन: in a short time

• गच्छति: goes, reaches

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (the Sun)
• Dakshina (southern direction)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sacred Geography
• Solar Course
• Directions
• Purana

FAQs

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

This verse is not describing Pralaya; it belongs to cosmological description, explaining the Sun’s directional movement and how it quickly “turns back” in the southern course.

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

Indirectly, it supports time-reckoning and auspicious scheduling: understanding the Sun’s course underpins calendrical decisions (seasonal timing, travel, agriculture, and ritual observances) expected of rulers and householders in Purāṇic culture.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse does not give direct Vāstu rules, but its emphasis on direction (dakṣiṇa) and solar motion aligns with Vāstu/ritual orientation principles where cardinal directions and solar movement guide layout, entrances, and timing of consecrations.