Shloka 50

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

सिनीवालीप्रमाणं तु क्षीणशेषो निशाकरः अमावास्या विशत्यर्कं सिनीवाली तदा स्मृता //

Transliteration

sinīvālīpramāṇaṃ tu kṣīṇaśeṣo niśākaraḥ amāvāsyā viśatyarkaṃ sinīvālī tadā smṛtā //

Translation

When the Moon remains only as a waning remnant—measured by the Sinīvālī measure—and on the new-moon day it approaches, entering into conjunction with, the Sun, that time is remembered as Sinīvālī.

Word by Word

• sinīvālī-pramāṇam: the measure/standard called Sinīvālī

• tu: indeed

• kṣīṇa-śeṣaḥ: reduced to a remainder, only a small remnant left (waning)

• niśākaraḥ: the Moon (maker of night)

• amāvāsyā: the new-moon day

• viśati: enters, goes into, approaches (i.e., conjunction)

• arkam: the Sun

• tadā: then, at that time

• smṛtā: is remembered/defined as

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Sinīvālī
• Niśākara (Moon)
• Arka (Sun)
• Amāvāsyā

Tags

• Tithi
• Amavasya
• Panchanga
• Ritual timing
• Lunar astronomy

FAQs

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

This verse does not discuss Pralaya; it gives a technical calendrical definition connected to the Moon’s waning phase and its conjunction with the Sun at Amāvāsyā.

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

It supports dharmic duty indirectly by defining correct time-reckoning: kings and householders rely on accurate tithi markers like Sinīvālī/Amāvāsyā to schedule śrāddha, dāna, vows, and other rites at the proper time.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it helps determine precise new-moon timing (Amāvāsyā) and the Sinīvālī phase—useful for selecting auspicious/required moments for observances, offerings, and ancestral rites based on Panchāṅga calculations.