Shloka 57

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

Devanagari script

सुषुम्नाप्ययमानस्य शुक्ले वर्धन्ति वै कलाः तस्माद्ध्रसन्ति वै कृष्णे शुक्ले ह्याप्याययन्ति च //

Transliteration

suṣumnāpyayamānasya śukle vardhanti vai kalāḥ tasmāddhrasanti vai kṛṣṇe śukle hyāpyāyayanti ca //

Translation

When the current of vitality is being absorbed into the Suṣumnā, the kalās (vital, constituent measures) indeed increase in the bright fortnight; therefore they diminish in the dark fortnight—while in the bright fortnight they are nourished and augmented.

Word by Word

• suṣumnā: the central subtle channel (Suṣumnā nāḍī)

• apyayamānasya: of one who is being absorbed/nourished (undergoing apyaya, ‘replenishment/assimilation’)

• śukle: in the bright fortnight (Śukla-pakṣa)

• vardhanti: increase, grow

• vai: indeed

• kalāḥ: kalās—constituent parts, vital measures/energies (often linked with lunar phases)

• tasmāt: therefore

• hrasanti: decrease, wane

• kṛṣṇe: in the dark fortnight (Kṛṣṇa-pakṣa)

• śukle hi: for in the bright fortnight indeed

• āpyāyayanti: they nourish, replenish, cause to increase

• ca: and.

Speaker

• Suta (narrating Matsya Purana’s teaching, in the Matsya–Manu dialogue frame)

Entities Mentioned

• Suṣumnā
• Śukla-pakṣa
• Kṛṣṇa-pakṣa
• Kalāḥ

Tags

• Cosmology
• Lunar Fortnights
• Subtle Body
• Ritual Timing
• Puranic Physiology

FAQs

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

It uses the language of waxing/waning and “absorption” (apyaya) to explain cyclical increase and decrease of vital measures (kalās); this mirrors the Purāṇic idea that growth and dissolution operate in rhythmic cycles rather than as a single event.

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

It implies that nourishment and strength are greater in the bright fortnight, supporting the Purāṇic practice of scheduling constructive rites—charity, vows, consecrations, and major undertakings—when growth (vardhana/āpyāyana) is naturally favored.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

By stating that Śukla-pakṣa augments and Kṛṣṇa-pakṣa diminishes, it supports choosing Śukla-pakṣa for temple rites, installations, and other auspicious saṃskāras—an idea often used alongside Matsya Purana Vastu Shastra tips on selecting favorable time periods.