Shloka 84

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

लोक आलोकने धातुर् निरालोकस्त्वलोकता लोकालोकौ तु संधत्ते यस्मात्सूर्यः परिभ्रमन् //

Transliteration

loka ālokane dhātur nirālokastvalokatā lokālokau tu saṃdhatte yasmātsūryaḥ paribhraman //

Translation

The dhātu (element) that makes the worlds visible is light; the condition of being without light is darkness. For this reason the Sun, as he revolves, joins together the realm of light and the realm beyond light (Lokāloka).

Word by Word

• loka: world(s)

• ālokane: in illumination/for making visible

• dhātuḥ: the element/essential principle

• nirālokaḥ: without light, unilluminated

• tu: but/indeed

• alokatā: the condition of darkness/non-illumination

• lokālokau: light-and-nonlight (the paired regions, ‘loka’ and ‘aloka’)

• saṃdhatte: unites, connects, brings into conjunction

• yasmāt: because, since

• sūryaḥ: the Sun

• paribhraman: revolving, moving in a circuit

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu (contextual cosmological discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Surya
• Lokāloka (realm/mountain boundary of light and darkness)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sacred Geography
• Surya
• Lokāloka
• Puranic Astronomy

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it explains cosmic order—how light and darkness are defined and how the Sun’s movement functions as the connector between the illuminated worlds and the dark boundary-region called Lokāloka.

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

Indirectly, it frames dharma through cosmic regularity: just as the Sun maintains order by its circuit, a king/householder should sustain social order through disciplined, consistent conduct aligned with truth and clarity (āloka) rather than ignorance (alokatā).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

While not a Vāstu rule, it supports ritual/temple orientation logic: Surya and illumination are central to auspicious directionality and daily rites (e.g., sun-facing alignments and timing), reflecting the Purāṇic view that light governs sacred space and sacred time.