Matsya Purana — Planetary Chariots, Shloka 10

Devanagari script

आदित्यनिलयो राहुः सोमं गच्छति पर्वसु आदित्यमेति सोमाच्च तमसो ऽन्तेषु पर्वसु //

Transliteration

ādityanilayo rāhuḥ somaṃ gacchati parvasu ādityameti somācca tamaso 'nteṣu parvasu //

Translation

Раху, чьё пребывание близ Солнца, приближается к Луне в узловых точках времени (parvan); и от Луны направляется к Солнцу — так, в окончаниях этих темнеющих фаз он движется по парванам.

Word by Word

• āditya-nilayaḥ: having a station/abode near the Sun

• rāhuḥ: Rāhu (eclipse-causing graha/demon)

• somam: the Moon (Soma)

• gacchati: goes/approaches

• parvasu: at the parvans (junctions such as new/full-moon nodes)

• ādityam: the Sun (Āditya)

• eti: goes/proceeds

• somāt ca: and from the Moon

• tamasaḥ: of darkness/obscuration

• anteṣu: at the ends/terminations

• parvasu: at the junction-times

Speaker

• Lord Matsya (instructing Vaivasvata Manu on cosmological/jyotiṣa matters)

Entities Mentioned

• Rāhu
• Soma (Moon)
• Āditya (Sun)
• Parvan

Tags

• Jyotisha
• Grahas
• Eclipses
• Cosmology
• Puranic Astronomy

FAQs

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

It does not describe pralaya directly; it explains a recurring cosmic process—Rāhu’s approach to the Moon and Sun at parvan junctions—showing how periodic darkness (eclipse-like obscuration) is integrated into the Purāṇic order of time.

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

By highlighting parvan junctions (new/full-moon nodes), it supports correct calendrical awareness for royal governance and household observances—timing rites, fasts, śrāddha, and public ceremonies according to auspicious/inauspicious astronomical junctions.

What is the architectural or ritual significance mentioned here?

Ritually, parvan times are key for vrata and dāna; the verse implies that eclipse-related darkness is time-bound and predictable, informing temple and household ritual scheduling (e.g., purification, bathing, and post-eclipse offerings).