Shloka 54

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

कालः कुहूसिनीवाल्योः समुद्धो द्विलवः स्मृतः अर्कनिर्मण्डले सोमे पर्वकालः कलाः स्मृताः //

Transliteration

kālaḥ kuhūsinīvālyoḥ samuddho dvilavaḥ smṛtaḥ arkanirmaṇḍale some parvakālaḥ kalāḥ smṛtāḥ //

Translation

Between the lunar phases called Kuhū and Sinīvālī, the interval known as a kāla is said to comprise two lavas. And when the Moon is within the Sun’s surrounding orb (the solar halo), that period is known as the parva-time; it is measured in kalās.

Word by Word

• kālaḥ: a time-unit/interval

• kuhū-sinīvālyoḥ: of (the lunar phases) Kuhū and Sinīvālī (new-moon related phases)

• samuddhaḥ: the intervening junction/combined interval

• dvi-lavaḥ: consisting of two lavas

• smṛtaḥ: is declared/remembered as

• arka-nirmaṇḍale: in the Sun’s surrounding orb/solar disc-region

• some: the Moon

• parva-kālaḥ: the time of a parva (junction/festival-liminal time, esp. lunar junctions)

• kalāḥ: kalās (a smaller time-measure)

• smṛtāḥ: are stated as.

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Kuhū
• Sinīvālī
• Arka (Sun)
• Soma (Moon)
• Parva
• Kalā
• Lava

Tags

• Kāla
• Parva
• Tithi
• Panchanga
• RitualTiming

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it defines precise calendrical time-units and liminal “parva” periods used to regulate rites—knowledge that supports cosmic order (ṛta) rather than dissolution narratives.

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

It supports dharma through correct observance: kings and householders are expected to perform śrāddha, vrata, dāna, and public rituals at properly computed junction-times (parva), using standardized measures like lava and kalā.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights parva-time as a sensitive junction for ceremonies; in applied Vastu/temple practice, such parva- and kalā-based calculations inform muhurta selection for foundation-laying, installation (pratiṣṭhā), and consecration rites.