Shloka 41

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

अत्यर्थं राजते यस्मात् पौर्णमास्यां निशाकरः रञ्जनाच्चैव चन्द्रस्य राकेति कवयो विदुः //

Transliteration

atyarthaṃ rājate yasmāt paurṇamāsyāṃ niśākaraḥ rañjanāccaiva candrasya rāketi kavayo viduḥ //

Translation

Because on the full-moon night (Paurṇamāsī) the Moon—the maker of night—shines exceedingly; and because the Moon delights by its pleasing radiance, poets therefore know that night as “Rākā.”

Word by Word

• अत्यर्थम्: exceedingly, greatly

• राजते: shines, appears splendid

• यस्मात्: because

• पौर्णमास्याम्: on the full-moon night (Paurṇamāsī)

• निशाकरः: the moon (lit. maker of night)

• रञ्जनात्: from delighting/pleasing, from enchanting

• च एव: and indeed

• चन्द्रस्य: of the moon

• राका इति: as “Rākā”

• कवयः: poets, seers

• विदुः: know, designate

Speaker

• Suta (narrator) conveying the Matsya Purana’s explanation of sacred calendrical terminology

Entities Mentioned

• Chandra (Moon)
• Paurṇamāsī
• Rākā

Tags

• Purnima
• Vrata
• Kalavidhi
• Tithi
• Sacred Time

FAQs

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

This verse does not address Pralaya; it explains the sacred naming of the full-moon night, emphasizing the moon’s heightened brilliance and its pleasing effect.

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

By defining Paurṇamāsī/Rākā, it supports correct observance of time for household and royal rites—such as full-moon vows, donations, and monthly ritual duties that depend on accurate tithi-identification.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it clarifies that the full-moon night is called Rākā due to the moon’s exceptional radiance—useful for prescribing Pūrṇimā-based vratas, pūjā timings, and auspicious nocturnal observances.