Shloka 14

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

ऋतुरग्निः स्मृतो विप्रैर् ऋतुं संवत्सरं विदुः जज्ञिरे ऋतवस्तस्माद् ऋतुभ्यो ह्यार्तवा अभवन् //

Transliteration

ṛturagniḥ smṛto viprair ṛtuṃ saṃvatsaraṃ viduḥ jajñire ṛtavastasmād ṛtubhyo hyārtavā abhavan //

Translation

The learned Brahmins remember Ṛtu as a form of Agni; and they know that Ṛtu is the ordering principle of the year. From that, the seasons (ṛtavaḥ) were born; and from the seasons, indeed, the seasonal rites and observances (ārtavāḥ) came into being.

Word by Word

ṛtuḥseason / seasonal order

agniḥAgni, the fire-principle

smṛtaḥremembered, taught in tradition

vipraiḥby the learned (Brahmins)

ṛtumṚtu (as a principle of season/time)

saṃvatsaramthe year

viduḥ(they) know

jajñirewere born, arose

ṛtavaḥthe seasons

tasmātfrom that, therefore

ṛtubhyaḥfrom the seasons

hiindeed

ārtavāḥseasonal (rites/observances), pertaining to ṛtu

abhavancame to be, existed

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, on cosmic time and its ritual ordering)

Entities Mentioned

AgniVipras (Brahmins)Ṛtu (Seasonal principle)Saṃvatsara (Year)

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it explains orderly cosmic time—seasons and the year—grounded in the Agni principle, showing how creation is structured through time and its cycles.

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

By grounding ārtava (season-based observances), it implies that householders and rulers should align sacrifices, vows, and public rites with the seasonal calendar to sustain dharma and social order.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual significance is explicit: ārtavaḥ—seasonal rites—arise from ṛtu; this supports planning ceremonies and temple festivals by season (a key principle behind traditional ritual calendars).