Shloka 18

Matsya Purana — The Gods Seek Śiva’s Refuge: The Cosmic Chariot Prepared for the Burning of T...

Devanagari script

चक्रुश्चन्द्रं च सूर्यं च चक्रे काञ्चनराजते कृष्णपक्षं शुक्लपक्षं पक्षद्वयमपीश्वराः //

Transliteration

cakruścandraṃ ca sūryaṃ ca cakre kāñcanarājate kṛṣṇapakṣaṃ śuklapakṣaṃ pakṣadvayamapīśvarāḥ //

Translation

They fashioned the Moon and the Sun, and set in motion the shining golden wheel (of time); and the Lords also established the two fortnights—the dark fortnight (kṛṣṇa-pakṣa) and the bright fortnight (śukla-pakṣa).

Word by Word

• cakruḥ: they made/they fashioned

• candram: the Moon

• ca: and

• sūryam: the Sun

• ca: and

• cakre: (they) made/established/set in motion

• kāñcana-rājate: gleaming like gold / splendidly golden

• kṛṣṇa-pakṣam: the dark fortnight (waning half of the lunar month)

• śukla-pakṣam: the bright fortnight (waxing half of the lunar month)

• pakṣa-dvayam: the pair of fortnights

• api: also

• īśvarāḥ: the Lords / divine rulers (cosmic authorities).

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (Vishnu) speaking to Vaivasvata Manu (contextual attribution typical to this section of the Matsya Purana)

Entities Mentioned

• Chandra (Moon)
• Surya (Sun)
• Krishna Paksha
• Shukla Paksha
• Ishvaras (cosmic lords)

Tags

• Cosmology
• Timekeeping
• Lunar Month
• Paksha
• Sun and Moon

FAQs

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

This verse focuses on cosmic ordering after creation—establishing the Sun, Moon, and the two lunar fortnights—rather than describing dissolution; it presents time (kāla) as a divinely instituted cycle.

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

By defining kṛṣṇa-pakṣa and śukla-pakṣa, the verse underpins correct calendrical observance—essential for kings and householders to schedule rites, donations, fasts, and state rituals according to the proper lunar half-month.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, the two pakṣas structure auspicious timings (muhūrta and tithi-based observances); many temple festivals and consecration-related acts are planned with reference to bright/dark fortnights even when architectural details are not explicit here.