Shloka 51

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

अनुमतिश्च राका च सिनीवाली कुहूस्तथा एतासां द्विलवः कालः कुहूमात्रा कुहूः स्मृता //

Transliteration

anumatiśca rākā ca sinīvālī kuhūstathā etāsāṃ dvilavaḥ kālaḥ kuhūmātrā kuhūḥ smṛtā //

Translation

Anumati, Rākā, Sinīvālī, and Kuhū—these lunar phases are thus described. The time-span connected with them is two lavas; and Kuhū is traditionally reckoned as the measure called “kuhū-mātrā”.

Word by Word

• anumatiḥ: Anumati (a lunar phase/deity, often linked with the day before full moon)

• rākā: Rākā (full-moon phase/deity)

• sinīvālī: Sinīvālī (new-moon phase/deity, often linked with the day before new moon)

• kuhūḥ: Kuhū (new-moon night/phase, Amāvāsyā-associated)

• tathā: and so/likewise

• etāsām: of these

• dvi-lavaḥ: two lavas (a small unit of time)

• kālaḥ: time-span/measure of time

• kuhū-mātrā: the measure named after Kuhū

• kuhūḥ smṛtā: Kuhū is remembered/defined (as such).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Anumati
• Rākā
• Sinīvālī
• Kuhū

Tags

• Kalā-Nirṇaya
• Lunar Tithis
• Ritual Timing
• Jyotiṣa
• Matsya Purana time units

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it defines lunar phases (Anumati, Rākā, Sinīvālī, Kuhū) and links them to precise time-measures, showing the Purāṇic emphasis on cosmic order through calendrical reckoning.

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

By specifying lunar phases and their time-measures, it supports correct scheduling of vratas, śrāddha, dāna, and public rites—duties central to both householders and kings who uphold dharma through properly timed rituals.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is primarily ritual: correct identification of amāvāsyā/pūrṇimā-related phases (Kuhū, Rākā, etc.) and their timing helps determine auspicious/required windows for yajña, vrata observances, consecrations, and other saṃskāras.