Shloka 26

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

पीतं पञ्चदशाहं तु रश्मिनैकेन भास्करः आप्याययत्सुषुम्नेन भागं भागमहःक्रमात् //

Transliteration

pītaṃ pañcadaśāhaṃ tu raśminaikena bhāskaraḥ āpyāyayatsuṣumnena bhāgaṃ bhāgamahaḥkramāt //

Translation

For fifteen days, the Sun, drawing in the essence by a single ray, then nourishes it through the Suṣumnā channel—portion by portion, in the sequence of days.

Word by Word

• pītam: drunk/drawn in (absorbed)

• pañcadaśa-aham: for fifteen days

• tu: indeed

• raśminā ekena: by one ray

• bhāskaraḥ: the Sun

• āpyāyayat: nourishes, causes to swell/prosper

• suṣumnayā/suṣumnena: through the Suṣumnā (central channel/path)

• bhāgam bhāgam: portion by portion

• ahaḥ-kramāt: according to the order/sequence of days

Speaker

• Sūta (narrative voice conveying the Matsya Purāṇa’s cosmological teaching; traditionally rooted in the Matsya–Manu dialogue)

Entities Mentioned

• Bhāskara (Sun)
• Raśmi (solar ray)
• Suṣumnā

Tags

• Cosmology
• Sun
• Timekeeping
• Subtle channels
• Puranic physiology

FAQs

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

Indirectly, it supports the Purāṇic cosmology where the Sun regulates absorption and nourishment in measured cycles; such orderly regulation is the opposite of pralaya’s breakdown, showing how cosmic stability is maintained day by day.

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

It models disciplined, gradual distribution—“portion by portion, in the order of days”—a principle echoed in dharma: rulers and householders should sustain dependents through steady, timely provision rather than erratic or excessive action.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it reinforces timing (ahaḥ-krama) as essential—offerings, observances, and consecrations are effective when performed in correct daily/fortnightly sequence; it also aligns with Vāstu/temple practice where solar reckoning guides auspicious scheduling.