Shloka 44

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

द्वौ द्वौ लवावमावास्यां स कालः पर्वसंधिषु द्व्यक्षरः कुहूमात्रश्च पर्वकालस्तु स स्मृतः //

Transliteration

dvau dvau lavāvamāvāsyāṃ sa kālaḥ parvasaṃdhiṣu dvyakṣaraḥ kuhūmātraśca parvakālastu sa smṛtaḥ //

Translation

On the Amāvāsyā day, at the junctions of the parva (parva-sandhi), the time is constituted by two and two lavas. That parva-time is traditionally understood as consisting of two akṣaras and extending only for the measure called kuhū.

Word by Word

• द्वौ द्वौ: two and two (i.e., in pairs)

• लवौ: lavas (a minute time-unit)

• अमावास्यां: on the new-moon day (amāvasyā)

• सः कालः: that time-period

• पर्वसंधिषु: at the junctions of parvas (parva-sandhi)

• द्व्यक्षरः: of two akṣaras (a metrical/time-count unit)

• कुहूमात्रः: only the measure called kuhū

• च: and

• पर्वकालः: the parva-time (ritually significant interval)

• तु: indeed

• सः: that

• स्मृतः: is remembered/defined in tradition.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Amavasya
• Parva-sandhi
• Kuhu
• Lava
• Akshara

Tags

• Ritual Calendar
• Parva
• Amavasya
• Muhurta
• Vastu Shastra

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it defines precise ritual time-units around parva-sandhi on amāvasyā, indicating the text’s concern with correct timing for rites rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Kings and householders are expected to perform śrāddha, dāna, and other rites at correct parva-sandhi timings; this verse supplies a technical rule for determining that auspicious/required interval on amāvasyā.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, parva-kāla is a narrow, defined window (measured in lavas/kuhū) used to time ceremonies; in temple practice and Vastu-linked consecrations, accurate muhurta selection depends on such parva-sandhi calculations.