Shloka 3

Matsya Purana — The Ravi-Śayana

Devanagari script

आदित्यशयनं नाम यथावच्छंकरार्चनम् येषु नक्षत्रयोगेषु पुराणज्ञाः प्रचक्षते //

Transliteration

ādityaśayanaṃ nāma yathāvacchaṃkarārcanam yeṣu nakṣatrayogeṣu purāṇajñāḥ pracakṣate //

Translation

The rite called “Āditya-śayana,” and likewise the proper worship of Śaṅkara—so the knowers of the Purāṇas declare—are to be performed in those specific combinations of lunar mansions and yogas (nakṣatra-yogas).

Word by Word

आदित्यशयनम्Āditya-śayana, a vow/rite connected with the Sun (Āditya) and “lying down/resting” observance

नामcalled, by name

यथावत्duly, according to rule

शंकरार्चनम्worship (arcana) of Śaṅkara (Śiva)

येषुin which (cases)

नक्षत्रयोगेषुin (specific) nakṣatra-and-yoga combinations/astral configurations

पुराणज्ञाःthose learned in the Purāṇas

प्रचक्षतेdeclare, teach, state authoritatively

Speaker

Lord Matsya (in instruction to Vaivasvata Manu, within the Matsya Purana’s discourse style)

Entities Mentioned

Āditya (Sun-god)Śaṅkara (Śiva)Purāṇajñas (Puranic authorities)

FAQs

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

This verse is not about pralaya; it focuses on ritual timing—stating that certain observances (Āditya-śayana and Śaṅkara worship) are to be done under specific nakṣatra–yoga combinations as taught by Puranic authorities.

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

It frames dharmic duty as disciplined observance: a king or householder should perform vows and deity-worship “yathāvat” (according to rule), including choosing proper astrological timings (nakṣatra-yogas) as part of orthodox practice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The significance is ritual (not architectural): it emphasizes correct procedure and auspicious timing—linking specific vratas and Śiva-arcana to prescribed nakṣatra–yoga configurations, i.e., muhurta-based performance.