Shloka 88

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

प्रातः स्मृतस्ततः कालो भागांश्चाहुश्च पञ्च च तस्मात्प्रातर्गतात्कालान् मुहूर्ताः संगवस् त्रयः //

Transliteration

prātaḥ smṛtastataḥ kālo bhāgāṃścāhuśca pañca ca tasmātprātargatātkālān muhūrtāḥ saṃgavas trayaḥ //

Translation

After that comes the time known as prātaḥ (morning), said to consist of five parts. Therefore, reckoning from the moment morning begins, the saṅgava period is counted as three muhūrtas.

Word by Word

• prātaḥ: morning

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/defined

• tataḥ: thereafter

• kālaḥ: time-period

• bhāgān: parts/divisions

• ca: and

• āhuḥ: they say/it is said

• pañca: five

• tasmāt: therefore

• prātar-gatāt: from (the time) that has elapsed after morning begins

• kālāt: from the time/period

• muhūrtāḥ: muhūrtas (ritual time-units)

• saṅgavaḥ: the saṅgava period (late-morning forenoon)

• trayaḥ: three.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, time-reckoning context)

Entities Mentioned

• Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Muhūrta
• Saṅgava

Tags

• Kala
• Muhūrta
• Daily ritual timing
• Hindu timekeeping
• Ritual procedure

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it defines practical time-divisions (morning parts and the saṅgava span) used for ritual and calendrical reckoning.

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

By fixing the length of saṅgava in muhūrtas, it supports correct scheduling of daily rites—such as morning observances, charitable acts, and administrative or domestic duties—performed at prescribed times.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

It provides a technical basis for selecting auspicious ritual windows (muhūrta), which is also foundational for temple rites, consecrations, and other procedures often coordinated with specific daytime divisions like saṅgava.