Shloka 90

Matsya Purana — Solar–Lunar Motions

Devanagari script

त्रय एव मुहूर्तास्तु काल एष स्मृतो बुधैः अपराह्णव्यतीताच्च कालः सायं स उच्यते //

Transliteration

traya eva muhūrtāstu kāla eṣa smṛto budhaiḥ aparāhṇavyatītācca kālaḥ sāyaṃ sa ucyate //

Translation

The wise have declared this period to be precisely three muhūrtas; and when the afternoon (aparāhṇa) has passed, that time is called sāyaṃ, the evening.

Word by Word

• त्रयः: three

• एव: indeed/only

• मुहूर्ताः: muhūrtas (time-units)

• तु: and/but

• कालः: time/period

• एषः: this

• स्मृतः: remembered/defined

• बुधैः: by the wise

• अपराह्ण: afternoon

• व्यतीतात्: having passed/elapsed

• च: and

• कालः: time

• सायम्: evening

• सः: that

• उच्यते: is called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, traditional dialogue frame)

Tags

• Kāla-nirṇaya
• Muhūrta
• Sandhyā
• Ritual timing
• Daily discipline

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss pralaya; it defines a practical division of daily time (muhūrta-based) used for orderly observance and ritual scheduling.

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

By defining evening as the period after the afternoon, it supports disciplined daily conduct—especially the proper timing for evening duties such as sandhyā, prayer, and routine dharmic observances expected of householders and rulers.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Its ritual significance is time-selection: identifying the evening window (three muhūrtas) helps fix proper timings for sandhyā and other rites, and can also guide auspicious scheduling (muhūrta) for ceremonies connected to building or consecration.