Shloka 46

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

समागम्य लवौ द्वौ तु मध्याह्नान्निपतन्रविः प्रतिपच्छुक्लपक्षस्य चन्द्रमाः सूर्यमण्डलात् //

Transliteration

samāgamya lavau dvau tu madhyāhnānnipatanraviḥ pratipacchuklapakṣasya candramāḥ sūryamaṇḍalāt //

Translation

When two lava-units of time converge and midday is reached, the Sun begins to decline; and on Pratipad (the first lunar day) of the bright fortnight, the Moon is seen departing from the Sun’s orb, that is, emerging from conjunction.

Word by Word

• samāgamya: having come together, converging

• lavau dvau: two lavas (very small time-units)

• tu: indeed

• madhyāhnāt: from/at midday

• nipatan: falling, declining (moving downward)

• raviḥ: the Sun

• pratipat: the first lunar day

• śuklapakṣasya: of the bright fortnight

• candramāḥ: the Moon

• sūryamaṇḍalāt: from the Sun’s disk/orb

Speaker

• Sūta (narrator) conveying Purāṇic astronomical doctrine (Jyotiṣa-style exposition)

Entities Mentioned

• Ravi (Sun)
• Candramas (Moon)
• Śuklapakṣa
• Pratipad

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Tithi
• LunarCalendar
• SunMoon
• Muhūrta

FAQs

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

This verse is not about Pralaya; it describes observable solar–lunar timing—midday solar decline and the Moon’s emergence from conjunction at the start of the bright fortnight (pratipad).

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

It supports dharmic timekeeping: householders and rulers schedule vows, donations, and rites by correct tithi/fortnight reckoning—especially recognizing pratipad and midday transitions for ritual propriety.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it aids muhurta selection: identifying pratipad (bright fortnight day 1) and midday (madhyāhna) markers helps time pūjā, vrata starts, and offerings in line with Matsya Purana calendrical guidance.