Shloka 73

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

उदग्याने तथा सूर्यः सर्पते मन्दविक्रमः तस्माद्दीर्घेण कालेन भूमिं सो ऽल्पां प्रसर्पति //

Transliteration

udagyāne tathā sūryaḥ sarpate mandavikramaḥ tasmāddīrgheṇa kālena bhūmiṃ so 'lpāṃ prasarpati //

Translation

Likewise, when it is in its northward course (udagāyana), the Sun moves with gentle pace; therefore, over a long span of time, it advances only a small distance across the ground.

Word by Word

• udagyāne: in the northward course (uttarāyaṇa)

• tathā: likewise/so too

• sūryaḥ: the Sun

• sarpate: creeps/moves slowly

• manda-vikramaḥ: of slow stride, gentle in motion

• tasmāt: therefore

• dīrgheṇa kālena: with/over a long time

• bhūmim: on/over the earth/ground

• saḥ: he/it (the Sun)

• alpām: a small (distance)

• prasarpati: advances/spreads forward

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya (Sun)

Tags

• Vastu Shastra
• Orientation
• Solar movement
• Site selection
• Ritual timing

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it is a Vastuvidya-style observation on the Sun’s northward course and its perceived slow progression, useful for time-and-direction based planning.

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

It supports practical governance and household planning: understanding seasonal solar movement helps in laying out settlements, scheduling works, and aligning buildings for light, heat, and auspicious timing.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It highlights Uttarayana as a factor in orientation and time-measurement (shadow/sun-path awareness), informing Vastu decisions such as axis alignment, courtyard exposure, and seasonally appropriate ritual or construction timing.