Shloka 48

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

Devanagari script

ह्रासवृद्धी तथैवास्य रश्मयः सूर्यवत्स्मृताः त्रिचक्रोभयतो ऽश्वश्च विज्ञेयः शशिनो रथः //

Transliteration

hrāsavṛddhī tathaivāsya raśmayaḥ sūryavatsmṛtāḥ tricakrobhayato 'śvaśca vijñeyaḥ śaśino rathaḥ //

Translation

Its waning and waxing are likewise to be understood as arising from its rays, in the same manner as the Sun’s. The chariot of the Moon should be known as having three wheels, with horses yoked on both sides.

Word by Word

• hrāsa-vṛddhī: decrease and increase (waning and waxing)

• tathā eva: likewise/indeed

• asya: of it (of the Moon)

• raśmayaḥ: rays

• sūrya-vat: like the Sun

• smṛtāḥ: are said/are remembered (as taught)

• tri-cakraḥ: three-wheeled

• ubhayataḥ: on both sides

• aśvaḥ: horses

• ca: and

• vijñeyaḥ: should be understood/known

• śaśinaḥ: of the Moon

• rathaḥ: chariot

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (teaching Vaivasvata Manu)

Entities Mentioned

• Śaśin (Moon)
• Sūrya (Sun)
• Ratha (celestial chariot)

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Cosmology
• Moon
• Sun
• Puranic Astronomy

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it presents a cosmological (astronomical) model explaining the Moon’s waxing and waning through its rays and describing the Moon’s chariot.

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

Indirectly, it supports dharma through right-knowledge (tattva-jñāna): understanding lunar increase/decrease underpins calendrical timekeeping (tithis, months) used for royal administration and household observances such as fasting days and ritual scheduling.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, lunar waxing/waning governs timing for vratas and sacrifices; while no Vāstu rule is stated, such lunar calendrics commonly inform auspicious dates (muhūrta) for consecrations and temple-related rites.