Shloka 8

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

विष्कम्भान्मण्डलाच्चैव भास्कराद्द्विगुणः शशी अतः पृथिव्या वक्ष्यामि प्रमाणं योजनैः पुनः //

Transliteration

viṣkambhānmaṇḍalāccaiva bhāskarāddviguṇaḥ śaśī ataḥ pṛthivyā vakṣyāmi pramāṇaṃ yojanaiḥ punaḥ //

Translation

In diameter and in its circular extent, the Moon is said to be twice that of the Sun. Therefore, I shall now again describe the measure of the Earth in yojanas.

Word by Word

• viṣkambhāt: from (its) diameter

• maṇḍalāt: from (its) circular disc/orb

• ca eva: and indeed

• bhāskarāt: than the Sun

• dvi-guṇaḥ: twofold, twice

• śaśī: the Moon

• ataḥ: therefore

• pṛthivyāḥ: of the Earth

• vakṣyāmi: I shall describe

• pramāṇam: measure, dimension

• yojanaiḥ: in yojanas

• punaḥ: again, further

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhāskara (Sun)
• Śaśī (Moon)
• Pṛthivī (Earth)
• Yojana (unit of distance)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Purāṇic Astronomy
• Yojana Measurements
• Sun and Moon
• Earth Dimensions

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it belongs to cosmographical measurement, stating a proportional relationship between the Moon and the Sun and transitioning to the Earth’s dimensions.

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic ideal that rulers and householders should understand sacred cosmology and traditional units (like yojanas) for calendrical, ritual, and administrative reckoning.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

No direct Vāstu rule is stated, but such cosmological proportions inform ritual timing and symbolic temple cosmology where the Sun–Moon–Earth order is reflected in sacred planning and calendrical rites.