Shloka 23

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

निःशेषा वै कलाः पूर्वा युगपद् व्यापयन् पुरा सुषुम्नाप्यायमानस्य भागं भागमहःक्रमात् //

Transliteration

niḥśeṣā vai kalāḥ pūrvā yugapad vyāpayan purā suṣumnāpyāyamānasya bhāgaṃ bhāgamahaḥkramāt //

Translation

Formerly, all the kalās (time-units/energetic portions) without remainder pervaded simultaneously; but as Suṣumnā becomes nourished and expands, they are taken up portion by portion, in the successive order of the day (ahaḥ-krama).

Word by Word

• निःशेषाः (niḥśeṣāḥ): without remainder, complete

• वै (vai): indeed

• कलाः (kalāḥ): kalās, portions/units (of time or subtle energy)

• पूर्वाः (pūrvāḥ): former, earlier

• युगपद् (yugapad): simultaneously, all at once

• व्यापयन् (vyāpayan): pervading, spreading through

• पुरा (purā): formerly, in ancient times

• सुषुम्ना (suṣumnā): the central channel (nāḍī)

• अप्यायमानस्य (apyāyamānasya): of one that is being nourished/filled/expanding

• भागम् भागम् (bhāgaṃ bhāgam): portion by portion

• अहःक्रमात् (ahaḥ-kramāt): by the sequence/order of the day (daily succession), stepwise.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu in an instructional discourse on time and subtle channels)

Entities Mentioned

• Suṣumnā
• Kalā

Tags

• Time-Units
• Yoga
• Subtle-Body
• Cosmology
• Pralaya-Context

FAQs

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

It frames time/energy (kalā) as something that can be fully present at once or absorbed stepwise; this kind of “simultaneous vs. sequential” model is often used to explain how cosmic processes (including dissolution and re-manifestation) can appear instantaneous at the absolute level yet unfold in ordered stages.

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

By grounding action in measured time (ahaḥ-krama), it supports the Purāṇic ethic of regulated daily order—performing rites, governance, and household duties at proper times rather than impulsively—mirroring the stepwise, disciplined pattern described here.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Direct architecture is not stated, but the ritual takeaway is strong: kalā and ahaḥ-krama imply precise timing—useful for scheduling pūjā, homa, and observances according to ordered daily/temporal divisions emphasized across Purāṇic ritual practice.