Shloka 55

Matsya Purana — Soma

Devanagari script

यस्माद् आपूर्यते सोमः पञ्चदश्यां तु पूर्णिमा दशभिः पञ्चभिश्चैव कलाभिर्दिवसक्रमात् //

Transliteration

yasmād āpūryate somaḥ pañcadaśyāṃ tu pūrṇimā daśabhiḥ pañcabhiścaiva kalābhirdivasakramāt //

Translation

Because Soma (the Moon) becomes filled up, the fifteenth lunar day is called the Full Moon (Pūrṇimā); day by day, in due sequence, it is completed by fifteen kalās (lunar digits).

Word by Word

• यस्मात् (yasmāt): because/for this reason

• आपूर्यते (āpūryate): is filled up, becomes complete

• सोमः (somaḥ): Soma, the Moon

• पञ्चदश्याम् (pañcadaśyām): on the fifteenth (tithi)

• तु (tu): indeed

• पूर्णिमा (pūrṇimā): the full-moon day

• दशभिः (daśabhiḥ): by ten

• पञ्चभिः (pañcabhiḥ): by five

• च एव (ca eva): and indeed/just so

• कलाभिः (kalābhiḥ): by kalās, lunar digits/parts

• दिवसक्रमात् (divasakramāt): by the succession/order of days

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on cosmic time and lunar reckoning)

Entities Mentioned

• Soma (Moon)
• Pūrṇimā
• Kalā

Tags

• Cosmology
• Lunar Calendar
• Tithi
• Pūrṇimā
• Time-Reckoning

FAQs

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

It does not describe Pralaya directly; it teaches cosmic order through lunar time—how the Moon’s fifteen kalās culminate in Pūrṇimā, reflecting regulated cosmology rather than dissolution.

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

By defining Pūrṇimā via the Moon’s completed kalās, it supports correct calendrical observance—important for kings and householders to schedule vows, gifts, and rites on properly determined tithis.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The ritual takeaway is timing: Pūrṇimā is identified as the fifteenth tithi when Soma is ‘full’ with fifteen kalās, a key marker for full-moon observances and offerings.