Shloka 68

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

Devanagari script

पिबन्ति द्विकलं कालं शिष्टास्तास्तु कलास्तु याः विनिःसृष्टं त्वमावास्यां गभस्तिभ्यस्तदामृतम् //

Transliteration

pibanti dvikalaṃ kālaṃ śiṣṭāstāstu kalāstu yāḥ viniḥsṛṣṭaṃ tvamāvāsyāṃ gabhastibhyastadāmṛtam //

Translation

For a period of two kalās they drink; and those remaining kalās—preserved according to rule—drink that amṛta, the nectar which, on the night of Amāvāsyā, is released from the rays of the Sun.

Word by Word

• pibanti: they drink

• dvi-kalam: for two kalās (a short measured time)

• kālam: time/period

• śiṣṭāḥ: the remaining/reserved (also: the regulated, proper)

• tāḥ: those

• tu: indeed

• kalāḥ: kalās, digits/parts (esp. lunar digits)

• yāḥ: which

• viniḥsṛṣṭam: released, emitted, let out

• tu: and/indeed

• amāvāsyām: on the new-moon day/night

• gabhastibhyaḥ: from the rays (of the sun)

• tat: that

• amṛtam: nectar/ambrosia (immortalizing essence).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) instructing Vaivasvata Manu

Entities Mentioned

• Lord Matsya
• Vaivasvata Manu
• Amavasya
• Kalā
• Gabhasti (sun-rays)
• Amṛta

Tags

• Pralaya
• Ritual Timekeeping
• Amavasya
• Cosmology
• Kalā Doctrine

FAQs

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

It presents a cosmological “time-and-essence” teaching: amṛta is described as being released at amāvāsyā and “drunk” according to measured units (kalā), reflecting how subtle essences are regulated by cosmic time even across dissolution-oriented themes.

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

By emphasizing precise sacred timing (kalā, amāvāsyā), it supports dhārmic discipline: rulers and householders are expected to align vows, offerings, and observances with correct lunar timings rather than acting arbitrarily.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it highlights amāvāsyā as a potent time connected with subtle “nectar/essence”; such timing is often used for śrāddha, vrata, and purification observances—useful context when applying Matsya Purana ritual calendars alongside temple/rite scheduling.