Shloka 31

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

तथाब्दमासाः पक्षाश्च शुक्लाः कृष्णास्तु वै स्मृताः पौर्णमास्यास्तु यो भेदो ग्रन्थयः संधयस्तथा //

Transliteration

tathābdamāsāḥ pakṣāśca śuklāḥ kṛṣṇāstu vai smṛtāḥ paurṇamāsyāstu yo bhedo granthayaḥ saṃdhayastathā //

Translation

Thus are the divisions of time remembered: years and months, and also the two fortnights (pakṣa), the bright (śukla, waxing) and the dark (kṛṣṇa, waning). The distinction connected with the full-moon observance (pūrṇamāsī) is likewise to be understood as the “knots” and “junctions,” the calendrical joints that mark transitions.

Word by Word

• tathā: thus/likewise

• abda-māsāḥ: years and months

• pakṣāḥ ca: and the fortnights

• śuklāḥ: bright (waxing) half

• kṛṣṇāḥ tu: dark (waning) half indeed

• vai: indeed/certainly

• smṛtāḥ: are remembered/are traditionally stated

• paurṇamāsyāḥ tu: of the full-moon (Paurṇamāsī) observance

• yaḥ bhedaḥ: whatever distinction/differentiation

• granthayaḥ: knots/fastenings (fixed points in reckoning)

• saṃdhayaḥ: junctions/confluences (transition points)

• tathā: likewise/so too

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Sūta–Śaunaka narration framework)

Entities Mentioned

• Paurṇamāsī
• Śukla-pakṣa
• Kṛṣṇa-pakṣa

Tags

• Time-reckoning
• Panchanga
• Tithi
• Ritual calendar
• Paurṇamāsī

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it focuses on kāla-vibhāga (time-reckoning), defining lunar divisions (bright/dark fortnights) and transitional ‘junctions’ used for ritual timing.

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

By clarifying months, fortnights, and full-moon distinctions, it supports correct observance of vows, śrāddha, donations, and state/household rites that must be performed on properly determined lunar dates.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights Paurṇamāsī (full-moon observance) and the importance of saṃdhi/granthi—transition points in the calendar—often treated as especially potent for vrata, homa, and other scheduled ceremonies.