Shloka 32

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

अर्धमासस्य पर्वाणि द्वितीयाप्रभृतीनि च अग्न्याधानक्रिया यस्मान् नीयन्ते पर्वसंधिषु //

Transliteration

ardhamāsasya parvāṇi dvitīyāprabhṛtīni ca agnyādhānakriyā yasmān nīyante parvasaṃdhiṣu //

Translation

The observance-days (parva) of the half-month—beginning from the second lunar day (dvitīyā)—are so called because the rites of establishing the sacred fires (agnyādhāna) are performed at the junctions (sandhi) of those parva-days.

Word by Word

• ardhamāsasya: of the half-month (fortnight)

• parvāṇi: parva-days, observance-nodes

• dvitīyā-prabhṛtīni: beginning from the second (tithi)

• ca: and

• agnyādhāna-kriyā: the rite/procedure of establishing the sacred fires

• yasmāt: because/for the reason that

• nīyante: are carried out/are conducted

• parva-saṃdhiṣu: at the junctions (sandhi) of parva-days (critical transition times).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, ritual-dharma discourse)

Entities Mentioned

• Agni
• Agnyādhāna
• Parva
• Tithi (Dvitīyā)

Tags

• Dharma
• Ritual calendar
• Agnihotra
• Parva
• Householder duties

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it defines ritual time-structure (parva and sandhi) and links it to agnyādhāna, emphasizing orderly sacred timing rather than cosmological dissolution.

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

It supports gṛhastha-dharma: establishing and maintaining sacred fires is a core Vedic duty, and the verse specifies that such rites should be aligned with parva-junctions within the fortnightly lunar calendar.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights correct timing (parva-sandhi) for agnyādhāna—key for yajña continuity; while not Vāstu-focused, it underpins the broader discipline of properly instituted sacred-fire rites.