Shloka 2

Matsya Purana — The Sun-Vow

Devanagari script

*नन्दिकेश्वर उवाच यत्तद्विश्वात्मनो धाम परं ब्रह्म सनातनम् सूर्याग्निचन्द्ररूपेण तत्त्रिधा जगति स्थितम् //

Transliteration

*nandikeśvara uvāca yattadviśvātmano dhāma paraṃ brahma sanātanam sūryāgnicandrarūpeṇa tattridhā jagati sthitam //

Translation

Nandikeśvara said: That eternal Supreme Brahman—abode of the Universal Self—stands established in the world in a threefold manner, assuming the forms of the Sun, Fire, and the Moon.

Word by Word

• नन्दिकेश्वर उवाच: Nandikeśvara said

• यत् तत्: that which (that very principle)

• विश्वात्मनः: of the Universal Self / ensouling the universe

• धाम: abode, luminous seat

• परम्: supreme

• ब्रह्म: Brahman, absolute reality

• सनातनम्: eternal

• सूर्य-अग्नि-चन्द्र-रूपेण: in the form of the Sun, Fire, and Moon

• तत्: that (Brahman)

• त्रिधा: threefold

• जगति: in the world

• स्थितम्: established, present

Speaker

• Nandikeśvara

Entities Mentioned

• Nandikeśvara
• Brahman
• Sūrya (Sun)
• Agni (Fire)
• Candra (Moon)

Tags

• Brahman
• Cosmology
• Trinity of light
• Vedic deities
• Matsya Purana theology

FAQs

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

It frames cosmic order as rooted in eternal Brahman, manifesting as Sun, Fire, and Moon—principles that govern time, vitality, and ritual continuity across cycles, including pralaya and re-creation.

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

By identifying Brahman with Sun (dharma/time), Fire (sacrifice/duty), and Moon (nourishment/mind), it implicitly supports household and royal obligations: maintaining yajña (Agni), upholding order under time and law (Sūrya), and ensuring welfare and prosperity (Candra).

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, it elevates Agni as a direct mode of Brahman, reinforcing the centrality of fire-offerings; architecturally/iconographically, it supports temple and altar symbolism that aligns solar, lunar, and fire principles (e.g., orientation, lighting, and deity associations).