Shloka 79

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

एवं गतिविशेषेण विभजन्रात्र्यहानि तु अजवीथ्यां दक्षिणायां लोकालोकस्य चोत्तरम् //

Transliteration

evaṃ gativiśeṣeṇa vibhajanrātryahāni tu ajavīthyāṃ dakṣiṇāyāṃ lokālokasya cottaram //

Translation

Thus, by these particular modes of celestial motion, one determines the divisions of nights and days—along the southern course called Ajavīthī, and also the northern region of the Lokāloka (the boundary-mountain separating the worlds from the outer darkness).

Word by Word

• evaṃ: thus

• gati-viśeṣeṇa: by a specific/particular motion (of the heavenly bodies)

• vibhajan: dividing, determining

• rātri-ahāni: nights and days

• tu: indeed

• ajavīthyām: in/along Ajavīthī (a named celestial track/path)

• dakṣiṇāyām: in the southern direction/southern course

• lokālokasya: of Lokāloka (the cosmic boundary)

• ca: and

• uttaram: the northern (region/side).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Ajavīthī
• Lokāloka

Tags

• Cosmology
• Astronomical geography
• Day-night calculation
• Loka-vibhaga
• Puranic universe

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it presents the ordered cosmic structure—celestial motions and the Lokāloka boundary—that remains a standard framework for describing the universe even when Puranas discuss creation and dissolution cycles.

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

By grounding time (day/night) in cosmic order, it supports correct calendrical reckoning for governance and household rites—timing of duties, vows, and rituals depends on proper knowledge of day-night divisions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it points to time-direction principles: many rites require orientation (north/south) and correct timing (day/night). While not a direct Vastu rule, it underpins the calendrical and directional logic used in temple and ritual scheduling.