Shloka 39

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

यदान्योन्यवतीं पाते पूर्णिमां प्रेक्षते दिवा चन्द्रादित्यो ऽपराह्णे तु पूर्णत्वात्पूर्णिमा स्मृता //

Transliteration

yadānyonyavatīṃ pāte pūrṇimāṃ prekṣate divā candrādityo 'parāhṇe tu pūrṇatvātpūrṇimā smṛtā //

Translation

When, in the daytime, the Moon and the Sun are seen facing one another in opposition, then—if this occurs in the afternoon (aparāhṇa)—because the lunar digit (kalā) has become full, that day is remembered as Pūrṇimā, the Full-Moon day.

Word by Word

• yadā: when

• anyonya-vatīm: mutually opposite (in opposition)

• pāte: at the occurrence/point (of meeting as a defined astronomical condition)

• pūrṇimām: the full-moon (tithi/day)

• prekṣate: is seen/observed

• divā: by day/in daytime

• candra-ādityau: the Moon and the Sun

• aparāhṇe: in the afternoon

• tu: indeed/then

• pūrṇatvāt: because of fullness/completion

• pūrṇimā: the full-moon day

• smṛtā: is called/remembered (as).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu on ritual calendrics)

Entities Mentioned

• Chandra (Moon)
• Aditya (Sun)
• Purnima (Full Moon)

Tags

• Kala-Nirnaya
• Tithi
• Purnima
• Ritual Calendar
• Jyotisha

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives a calendrical (kāla-nirṇaya) rule for identifying Pūrṇimā based on the observable relationship of the Sun and Moon.

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

By defining Pūrṇimā precisely, it supports correct timing for vows, fasting, śrāddha, and public or royal rituals—duties that householders and kings must perform according to proper lunar dates.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Its ritual significance is time-selection: it helps decide the correct Pūrṇimā for performing pūjā, vratas, and other observances that require accurate tithi determination (useful alongside Matsya Purana’s broader ritual and temple-practice guidance).