Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots, Shloka 18

Devanagari script

अलातचक्रवद्यान्ति वातचक्रेरितानि तु यस्मात्प्रवहते तानि प्रवहस्तेन स स्मृतः //

Transliteration

alātacakravadyānti vātacakreritāni tu yasmātpravahate tāni pravahastena sa smṛtaḥ //

Translation

風に駆られる輪によって動かされるものは、火のついた薪を振り回した輪（アラータチャクラ）のように進む。しかも彼によってそれらが前へと運ばれ流れ出るゆえ、彼は「プラヴァハஸテーナ（前流を起こす手）」と記憶される。

Word by Word

• alātacakravat: like a whirling firebrand (firebrand-circle)

• yānti: they go/move

• vātacakra: wind-wheel

• īritāni: impelled/set in motion

• tu: indeed

• yasmāt: because/from whom

• pravahate: are carried along/flow onward

• tāni: those (things)

• pravahastena: by/with the name Pravahastena (pravaha + hasta)

• sa: he

• smṛtaḥ: is remembered/called

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu in a technical explanatory passage)

Entities Mentioned

• Pravahastena
• Vata (wind)
• Vata-chakra (wind-wheel)
• Alata-chakra (whirling firebrand simile)

Tags

• Vastuvidya
• Technical terminology
• Simile
• Wind mechanics
• Etymology

FAQs

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

This verse does not describe Pralaya directly; it uses a vivid motion-simile (whirling firebrand, wind-driven wheel) to define a name/term—suggesting a technical or classificatory context rather than cosmic dissolution.

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

Indirectly: it models precise definition and correct naming (nirukti/etymological clarification), supporting the Purana’s broader aim that rulers and householders follow well-defined rules in governance, ritual, and building practice.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

The verse points to Vāstu/technical terminology: wind-driven motion and “onward flow” language can relate to practical considerations like ventilation, directional winds, or mechanical devices described in Vāstuvidyā-style sections, with the term “Pravahastena” explained by its function.