Shloka 28

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

एवमाप्यायते सोमः क्षयिते च पुनः पुनः समृद्धिरेवं सोमस्य पक्षयोः शुक्लकृष्णयोः //

Transliteration

evamāpyāyate somaḥ kṣayite ca punaḥ punaḥ samṛddhirevaṃ somasya pakṣayoḥ śuklakṛṣṇayoḥ //

Translation

Thus Soma (the Moon) becomes replenished again and again after having waned; in this very way does the Moon’s increase and decrease occur through its two fortnights—the bright (waxing) and the dark (waning).

Word by Word

• evam: thus/in this manner

• āpyāyate: is filled up, is replenished, waxes

• somaḥ: Soma, the Moon

• kṣayite: when diminished/when waned

• ca: and

• punaḥ punaḥ: again and again

• samṛddhiḥ: increase, growth, prosperity (here: waxing)

• evam: thus

• somasya: of the Moon

• pakṣayoḥ: in the two halves/fortnights

• śukla-kṛṣṇayoḥ: the bright and the dark (fortnights), waxing and waning phases

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu, explaining cosmic order and time-cycles)

Entities Mentioned

• Soma (Moon)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Jyotisha
• Lunar fortnight
• Timekeeping
• Dharma (order of nature)

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it highlights the recurring cosmic rhythm of increase and decrease—an example of orderly cycles that continue through time.

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

By grounding ritual and civic life in the lunar calendar: household rites, fasting days, and royal ceremonies are traditionally scheduled by śukla/kr̥ṣṇa pakṣa, so understanding the Moon’s waxing/waning supports dharmic observance.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it supports pakṣa-based timing (tithis and fortnight observances) used for temple worship schedules, vratas, and consecration planning, even though no specific Vastu rule is stated in this verse.