Shloka 24

Matsya Purana — The Attendant Hosts of the Sun and Moon: Monthly Gaṇas

Devanagari script

ब्रह्मोपेतश्च वै रक्षो यज्ञोपेतस्तथैव च इत्येते निवसन्ति स्म द्वौ द्वौ मासौ दिवाकरे //

Transliteration

brahmopetaśca vai rakṣo yajñopetastathaiva ca ityete nivasanti sma dvau dvau māsau divākare //

Translation

Thus, the Rakṣa named Brahmopeta and likewise the Rakṣa named Yajñopeta reside in association with the Sun, two months each.

Word by Word

• ब्रह्मोपेतः: (one) named Brahmopeta

• च: and

• वै: indeed

• रक्षः: a Rakṣa (protective/attendant being)

• यज्ञोपेतः: (one) named Yajñopeta

• तथा एव: likewise/just so

• च: and

• इति: thus

• एते: these

• निवसन्ति स्म: dwell/abide (as was said/traditionally stated)

• द्वौ द्वौ: two and two (each two)

• मासौ: months

• दिवाकरे: in/with the Sun (Divākara, ‘maker of day’)

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (in discourse to Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Divākara (Sun)
• Rakṣa
• Brahmopeta
• Yajñopeta

Tags

• Saura
• Jyotisha
• Ritual Calendar
• Solar Months
• Puranic Cosmology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya; it outlines a calendrical-cosmic arrangement in which specific Rakṣas are assigned to the Sun’s course for fixed two-month periods.

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

By linking named beings to the Sun’s monthly cycle, the text supports time-keeping for dharmic life—helping householders and rulers schedule yajñas, vows, donations, and public rites according to an ordered sacred calendar.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is primarily ritual rather than architectural: it reflects a Saura/Jyotiṣa framework used to align ceremonies with solar months and their associated attendants, reinforcing correct timing (kāla) as a key component of ritual efficacy.