Shloka 78

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

दक्षिणप्रक्रमे वापि दिवा शीघ्रं विधीयते गतिः सूर्यस्य वै नक्तं मन्दा चापि विधीयते //

Transliteration

dakṣiṇaprakrame vāpi divā śīghraṃ vidhīyate gatiḥ sūryasya vai naktaṃ mandā cāpi vidhīyate //

Translation

Even in the Sun’s southern course (dakṣiṇāyana), his motion is said to be swift by day; but at night, indeed, it is also described as slow.

Word by Word

दक्षिण-प्रक्रमे (dakṣiṇa-prakrame)in the southern progression/solstitial course

वा अपि (vā api)even/also

दिवा (divā)by day

शीघ्रम् (śīghram)swiftly

विधीयते (vidhīyate)is stated/ordained/considered

गतिः (gatiḥ)motion, course

सूर्यस्य (sūryasya)of the Sun

वै (vai)indeed

नक्तम् (naktam)at night

मन्दा (mandā)slow, मंद-गति

च अपि (ca api)and also

विधीयते (vidhīyate)is described as/held to be.

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, traditional frame of the Matsya Purāṇa)

Entities Mentioned

Sūrya (Sun)

FAQs

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

This verse does not address pralaya directly; it focuses on purāṇic-astronomical description of the Sun’s apparent गति (gati) in the southern course, supporting calendrical and cosmological teaching rather than dissolution narratives.

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

By distinguishing day/night and seasonal motion (dakṣiṇāyana), it underpins proper timing for duties—governance, sacrifices, vows, travel, and household rites—since purāṇic dharma practice often depends on correct reckoning of time (kāla) and auspicious periods.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Indirectly, it supports muhūrta and calendrical selection: temple rites, consecrations, and Vastu-related undertakings commonly depend on solar course and day/night considerations, for choosing appropriate timings in accordance with traditional Jyotiṣa frameworks.