56 - Natural Astrology 

Sanandana said: 

1-2a. Lord of the year etc. (In one year), the Sun transits into the twelve) rashis (or signs of the Zodiac) Aries (Mesha) etc.¹ during the twelve) months beginning with Chaitra etc.² The King of the year is the lord of the week-day of the first day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra. The Commander of the year is the lord of the week-day on which the Sun transits into the sign of Aries and the Lord of Vegetation is (the lord of the week-day) on which the Sun transits into the sign Cancer, Kataka. 

1. The twelve rashis or signs, of 30° each, which make up the zodiac (360°) are: (1) Mesha (Aries); (2) Vrushabha (Taurus); (3) Mithuna (Gemini); (4) Karkataka (Cancer): (5) Simha (Leo); (6) Kanya (Virgo): (7) Tula (Libra); (8) Vrushchika (Scorpis); (9) Dhanus (Sagittarius); (10) Makara (Capricorn); (11) Kumbha (Aquarius) and (12) Mina (Pisces).

2. The twelve months are: (1) Chaita, (2) Vaishakha, (3) Jyeshtha, (4) Ashadha, (5) Shravana, (6) Bhadrapada, (7) Ashvina, (8) Karttika, (9) Margashirsha, (10) Pausha, (11) Magha and (12) Phalguna.

2b-3. As the Lord of the year, the Sun is of middling benefit while the Moon would be extremely beneficial. Mars is not beneficial but Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are highly beneficial. Saturn is least beneficial of all. In due consideration of the strength or otherwise of these (planets) should be indicated the general benefice of the year. 

SUN: RAVICHARA

4. Significance of snn-spots. Spots on the Sun of the shapes of a rod, corpse, crow and pillar, respectively, portend, (to the king), disease, turbulance, (trouble from) thieves and loss of wealth. 

5. (Sun-spots of the shape of) the umbrella, chaurie, banner, rain-cloud, smoke and sparks, portend the destruction of the land. 

6. O sage: If these spots are, respectively, white, red, yellow or black in colour they will afflict the four castes Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras. If they appear in two or three of these colours, they will afflict the royalty. 

7. Significance of the Sun's beams. If the (upward) beans emanating from the top of the Sun's disc are reddish, the commander of the army will die, if the beams be yellow, the prince, if white, the chief priest, and if variegated the people. 

8a. If the downward beams are dark, they foretell disaster to the king and if reddish yellow, to the clouds (indicating rain lessness). 

8b-9. The Sun's hue. The Sun is auspicious in Shishira, the cool season, if copper-red, in spring if saffron-hued, in summer if greyish, in the rainy season if variegated, in autumn if lotus red, and in winter if crimson-coloured. 

10. If the Sun be yellowish, bright-white and crimson, respectively, in winter, rainy season and summer, it portends, O sage: diseases, drought and calamities. 

11. A sun appearing in a rainbow causes a fight between kings. And, if the Sun appears with hue of the hare's blood, there will ensue shortly a world war. 

12. If the Sun appears with the hue of the peacock's feather, there will be no rains for twelve years. A moon-like Sun will cause the replacement of the king of the land. 

13. If the Sun is darkish, there would be fear from locusts and, if greyish like ash, there would be countrywide distress. When a hole is seen in the Sun's disc an emperor will die. 

14. Orb of the Sun. (The Sun's orb) appearing like a pot will cause famine (in the country); if like an arch it will cause the destruction of the capital; and, if like an umbrella, the destruction of the country. A split Sun will cause the death of the monarch. 

15. If at sunrise or at sunset, there occur (against the sun's disc) lightning, meteor and thunder, then, one can fortell the death of the king or fight between kings. 

16. If for a fortnight or half a fortnight, the Sun and the Moon appear with a halo around (pariveşha), both day and night, it will cause the replacement of the king, which will happen, also if they appear crimson at rising and setting (during the said period). 

17. If the Sun is obscured at sunrise and at sunset by clouds having the shape of weapons, there will be war; and, (if those clouds have the shape of) sinful animals like the camel, the war would be terrible. 

THE MOON: CHANDRACARA

18. In the signs Pisces and Aries, the crescent Moon with the southern horn higher (than the northern horn) is beneficent, while in the signs Gemini and Capricorn, the Moon with the northern horn higher is auspicious. 

19-20a. In the signs Aquarius and Taurus, the Moon is auspicious if the horns are equal, and in Cancer and Sagittarius, if they look like arrows. In the signs Scorpio and Leo (the Moon) is auspicious, if it has the shape of a bow, and in the signs Libra and Virgo, if it has the shape of a javelin. In the reverse positions, the Moon causes famine and war. 

20b-21a. When the Moon courses south of the asterisms³ Pūrváşhadha, Uttaraşhadha, Mula and Jyeshtha there will occur fires, drought and the destruction of forests and the appearance of snakes. 

3. Very often the asterisms are referred to in the Purana not by their proper names, but by names of the presiding deities of the relevant asterisms. The following table give the asterisms with the presiding deities noted against each.

Asterisms and their deities

1. Ashvini-Ashvins 

2. Bharani-Yama

3. Kruttika-Agni 

4. Rohini-Prajapati

5. Mrugashiras-Soma 

6. Ardra-Rudra

7. Punarvasu-Aditi 

8. Pushya-Bruhaspati, Ijya or Tishya.

9. Ashlesha-Sarpa, Abi

10. Magha-Pitrus.

11. Purva-phalguni-Bhaga

12. Uttara-phalguni-Aryama

13. Hasta-Savita 

14. Chitra-Tvashta

15. Svati-Váyu 

16. Vishakha-Indrägni, Dvideva

17. Anuradha-Mitra 

18. Jyeshtha-Indra

19. Mula-Nirruti 

20. Purva-ashadha-Apah.

21. Uttara-aşhadha-Vishvedevah

22. Shravana—Vişhnu

23. Dhanishtha or Shravishtha Vasus

24. Shatabhishak-Varuņa 

25. Pūrva-bhadrapada-Aja Ekapad

26. Uttara-bhadrapada-Ahirbudhnya 

27. Revati - Pusha

21b-22a. (The time when) Moon courses south of the asterisms Vishakha and Anuradha is inauspicious; and its coursing north of the asterisms Magha (pitrudaivatya) and Vishakha (dvidaiva), is medially beneficial. 

22b-23a. With reference to auspicious Moon, the six asterisms from Revati (Paushnya) are (called) 'Conjunction to be (aprapya-yoga), the twelve asterisms from Ardra (Rudra) as 'In conjunction (Madhya-yoga) and the nine asterisms Jyeshtha (Vasava) are called 'Past conjunction' (Atita-yoga). 

23b-24a. The 'half-asterisms' (Ardha-tärakas) are Bharani (Yama)Jyeshtha (Indra), Ashlesha (Ahisha), Shatabhishak (Toyesha) and Svati Marut); the 'more-than-half asterisms' (Adhyardha tärakas) are: Dhruva, Punarvasu (Aditi) and Vishakha (Dvideva); the remaining asterisms are 'full' (Sama). 

24b-25a. The Moon with its south horn higher (than the north horn) is extremely beneficial and that with the north horn higher is generally auspicious. The illuminated portion decreases and increases alternatively.⁴ 

4. The lines which are corrupt in the Purana are translated according to the parallel texts in the Naradiya-Samhita, 2. 27-8 (edn. Varanasi, 1905). 

25b-26a. The Moon with a broad orb is a harbinger of plenitude, while that with a narrow orb would cause loss of wealth. If it appears to hang with face down, there will be a threat from weapons and if (elongated) like a rod, there would be disputes. 

26b-27a. If its horns or orb are crossed by Mars and other planets, effects such as destruction of welfare, wealth, rains, kings and people, will follow. 

MARS: KUJACARA

276-28a. When, (after retrogression), Mars has risen in an asterism, which thus forms its 'rising asterism', (udaya-nakshatra) if it again goes into retrogression in the 7th, 8th or 9th asterism counted from its ‘rising asterism', such a retrogression is called Ushna, then will occur distress to people and damage by fire. 

28b-29a. The retrogression at the 10th, 11th and 12th asterism is called Ashrumukha. It keeps off rains and destroys crops. 

29b-30a. When the retrogression of Mars is in the 13th or 14th asterism, it is called Vyälavakra. Therein will occur the destruction of vegetation and of the rains. 

30b-31a. The retrogression on the 15th or 10th asterism is Rudhiranana. Mars will then cause famine, starvation and diseases. 

31b-32a. In the 17th and the 18th, the retrogression is called Musala. It will be attended with famine and will be terrible on account of heavy loss of wealth and grains. 

32b-33a. If Mars rises in the asterisms of Purva or Uttara Phalguni and retrogrades in Uttarăşhadha (Vaišhvadeva) and sets in Rohiņi (Chaturäshyärksha), it destroys three worlds. 

33b-34a. Mars which rises in Shravana and retrogrades in Pushya is inauspicious to kings in general and will threaten (especially) the kings of that direction in which Mars rises. 

34b-35a. If Mars courses through the (four) stars of the Magha constellation and retrogrades in the same constellation, it will cause fear from drought and weapons and destroy the Pandya king. 

35b-36a. If Mars crosses the asterisms Maha (pitru), Vishakha (Dvidaiva) and Rohiņi (Dhatru), it will then cause famine, death and disease. 

36b-37a. If Mars courses through the three Uttaras, (viz., Uttaraphalguni, Uttara-ashadha and Uttara-bhadrapada), Rohiņi, Mula (Nairruta), Shravana and Jyeshtha (Indrabha) or courses south of Rohiņi, it will cause drought. 

37b-38a. Mars coursing north of any constellation will be auspicious; while coursing south thereof, it will be inauspicious and cause dissentions amongst the people. 

MERCURY: BUDHACARA

38b-39a. If Mercury rises, being afflicted by a portent (utpata), it will cause drought, fear from fires, calamities and war between kings. 

39b-40a. If Mercury courses across the asterisms Dhanishthả (Vasu), Shravana (Vaishnava), Uttaraşhadha (Vaishva), Mrugashirsha (Indu) and Rohini (Dhatru) it will threaten with distress and drought. 

40b-41a. If Mercury is seen among (five) constellations from Ardra to Magha, it will then threaten with famine, war, disease and drought. 

41b-42a. Mercury traversing across the six constellations beginning with Hasta will cause welfare, prosperity, health and destruction of diseases. 

42b-43a. Mercury coursing across the constellations Uttara-bhadrapada (Ahirbudhnya), Uttara-phålguni (Aryama), Kruttika (Agnaya) and Bharani (Yama) will bring distress to physicians and sea trade. 

43b-44a. If Mercury crosses the three constellations beginning with Purva-, (viz., Purva-phalguni, Pūrva-åşhadha and Purva-bhadrapada, it will then threaten people with starvation, weapons, fire and robbers. 

44b. The motion of Mercury in the constellations Bharani (Yamya), Kruttika (Agni), Rohiņi (Dhatru) and Svati (Vayavya) is said to be Prakruta (natural). 

45. In the constellations Ardra (Raudra), Mrugashiras (Indu), Ashlesha (Sarpa) and Magha (Pitrya), its motion is called Mishra (mixed) and in the constellations Purva-phalguni (Bhagya) Uttara-phalguni (Aryama), Pushya (Ijya) and Punarvasu (Aditi), its motion is termed Sankshipta (concise). 

46. The motion amongst the constellations Purva-bhadrapada (Aja-charana), Uttara-bhadrapada (Ahirbudhnya) is called Tikshna (Sharp). Yoganta is the term for the motion of Mercury in the constellations Uttaraşhadha (Vishva), Pūrváşhadha (Ambu) and Mula. 

47. Its motion is called Ghora (Cruel) in the constellations Shravana (Hari), Chitra (Tväshtra), Shravişhthả (Vasu) an Shatabhishak (Varuna). Papa (sinful) is the name of its motion through the constellations Vishakha (Indragni), Anuradha (Mitra) and Hasta (Martanda). 

48. Mercury which has risen with one or the other of the motions Prakruta etc. will be visible for as many days as it will be invisible (later). 

49. Mercury (completes the motions Prakruta etc.), in order, in the following number of days: (Prakruta) 45 (Mishra) 30, (Sankshipta) 22, (Tikshna) 20, (Yoganta) 9, (Ghora) 15 and (Papa) 11. 

50. Mercury, in its Prakruta motion, brings welfare, health and prosperity. During the motions Mishra and Sankshipta, it is of mixed benefit, and, during the other (motions), it produces rain. 

51. If Mercury remains visible during the months Vaishakha. Shravana, Pausha and Ashadha it will bring distress to the world; during the other (months) it is beneficial. 

52. However, if it is visible during the months of Ashvina (Isha) and Kärttika (Urja), there will be fear from weapons, famine and fire. If Mercury rises with the brilliance of silver and crystal, it will be most auspicious. 

JUPITER: GURUCĀRA

53. (In the case of Jupiter), two constellations make up the months Kärttika (Urja) etc.; however, three constellations make up the fifth, twelfth and eleventh months. The year should be tamed by the constellation in which Jupiter rises. ⁵

5. The conception here is as follows: In the 60-year cycle of Jupiter, let the several years be given the name of the 12 lunar months reckoned from Kärttika. Then, the first four months, Kärttika, Märgashirsha, Pausha and Mágha, will have two constellations each, the fifth month, Phålguna, will have three constellations, the next five months two constellations each and the eleventh and the twelfth months, Shrāvana, Bhadrapada, Ashvina, will have three constellations each, thus completing the circle of 27 constellations. The names of the years mentioned in the following verses refer to the above special connotation. 

54. The years Kärttika and Margashirsha (i.e., the Jovian years in which Jupiter rises in the constellations Kruttika and Mrugashirsha, respectively) are inauspicious to people, the years Pausha and Magha are auspicious, and, the years Phālguna and Madhu (Chaitra) would be of medium benefit. 

55-56a. The year Madhava (Vaishakha) is auspicious while Jyeshtha is of medium benefit. The year Shuchi (Ashadha) is, again, of medium benefit but Nabhas (Shravana) is extremely beneficial, while Bhadrapada is so at some places and for some people. The year Isha (Ashvina) is most auspicious. Thus, has been stated the effect of the different months. 

56b-57a. Jupiter traversing to the north of the asterisms is productive of welfare, health and prosperity. If otherwise (i.e., traversing south) it will have the opposite effect. If it traverses through (the asterisms), it will have mixed effect. 

57b-58a. Jupiter having the hues-yellow, fire-bright, dark, green and red, will threaten creatures respectively with disease, arson, loot, weapons and missiles. 

58b-59a. Jupiter, if smoke-hued, will cause drought. If it is sighted during day, it will cause the death of the king or the destruction of the country. 

59b-60a. The constellations Rohiņi and Kruttika are said to be the 'body' of the year. The two Aşhadhas, (viz., Purva and Uttara) form its 'nipple'. Ardra is its 'heart and Magha, its 'flower'. 

60b-61. If the 'body' (of the year) comes into conjunction with a 'cruel planet, there will be fear from famine, fire and wind; if the ‘nipple (is attacked), there will be fear from starvation; if the 'flower', roots and fruits will be destroyed; and if the 'heart', destruction of crops will follow. On the other hand, if the conjunction is with auspicious (planets), the results also will be auspicious. 

62-64, (The following are the effects, in order, when) Jupiter traverses the 27 asterisms commencing with Magha: Increase in crops; Health of the people; War; Food; Drought; Calamities; Distress to brahmins; Great happiness to cows, to kings; and to women, Quiet rain; Rain of snakes; Welfare; Rejoicing; Great Wealth; Prosperity; Destruction of the country; Torrential rains; Friendliness; Disease; Freedom from fear; Threatened disease; Vegetation, Rain; Disease; Grain; and Invisibility of the skies. 

VENUS: SUKRACĀRA

65. Three lanes (vithi) each of Venus have to be conceived, situated, respectively, north, middle and south (of the Sun's path). The lanes have to be reckoned from the asterism Ashvini (dasrabha), at the rate of three asterism each. 

66. Thus will be formed nine lanes (vithis) which are termed, respectively, (1) Naga, (ii)Ibha, (iii) Airavata, (iv) Vrushabha, (v) Go, (vi) Jaradgava, (vii) Mruga, (viii) Aja, (ix) Dahana. 

67. Venus, traversing the three northern lanes produces the plenitude of grains, wealth, rains and vegetation. 

68a. In the three middle lanes, (it causes medium effects in these (matters) and in the three southern lanes)⁶ the effects in all cases are completely adverse. 

6. Some portion omitted here by haplography, in the Venkateshvara Press edn. of the Purana is rendered and inserted here from the parallel passage occurring in the Naradiya Samhita, (edn. Banares, 1905), 2.7.4. 

68b-69. Jupiter traversing across the five asterisms beginning with Magha (Pitrus) produces rain, and so does it in the western direction while traversing the three asterisms beginning with Svati. Conversely, drought results. However, if it is in con junction with Mercury, there will be rain. 

70. If Venus rises or sets on the eighth or fourteenth day of the dark fortnight, or on the full moon day the land will be flooded. 

71. If both Jupiter and Venus be in the seventh sign (Libra) and later pass on to the eastern lane, they will cause drought, famine and war. 

72. If Mars, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn, precede Venus, they will cause, respectively, war, whirlwind, famine and drought. 

73. Venus is productive of plenty while traversing the asterisms Pūrvāşhadha (Jala), Anuradha (Mitra), Uttara phålguni (Aryama), Ashlesha (Ahi) and Jyeshtha (Indra). In Mula, it threatens with hunger, weapons and drought, and in Uttara bhadrapadā (Ahirbudhnya) and Revati it produces fear. 

SATURN: SANICARA

 74. Saturn coursing amongst the asterisms Shravana, Svati (Anila) Hasta, Ardra, Bharaņi and Purvaphalguni (Bhagya) produces for people plenitude, health and vegetation. 

75-77. (In the asterismal conception) reckoned from the asterism in which Saturn rises: One in the head: (the next) three in the face; two in the vital parts,⁷ two in the eyes, five stars in the heart; four in the left hand; three in the left leg and three stars in the right leg, and four stars in the right arm, the occurrence of Saturn (in the said nine limbs) will produce, respectively: Disease, profits, misfortune, profits, peace, imprisonment, difficulties, exalted pilgrimage, and acquirement of wealth, in order. 

7. The Venk. Press edn. has: "One in the face, two in the anus, three on the head". The emendation is from the parallal passage in the Naradiya-Samhita (edn. Bañares, 1905), 2.8.3. 

78. When Saturn is retrograde, the effects are also retrograde. That is, the effects are in order for the right motion (of the planet) and when it is fast (in retrograde motion), the effects are in the reverse order. 

SHADOW OR DRAGON'S HEAD: RAHUCCHĀYA 

79. The slow-moving (Råhu), is the demon's head which had been cut off by Vishnu’s discus, but which attained immortality on account of its having tasted ambrosia and so was raised to planethood. 

80. Through the power of a boon conferred on him by the Creator, Råhu eclipses, at the syzygies, the Sun and the Moon, on account of latitude (vikshepa) and declination (avanati). 

81-82a. Once in six months the possibility of eclipses should be checked. There are seven Lords of the syzygies, who have been functioning from the commencement of the aeon (kalpa). They are Brahma, Indu, Indra, Kubera, Varuna, Agni and Yama. 

82b-83. (If an eclipse occurs) in the syzygy, of which Brahma is the lord, there will be prosperity for cattle, vegetation and the twice born. Similar is the effect besides trouble to brahmins, when Indu (Soma) is the overlord of the syzygy. When Indra is the lord, there will be enmity between kings, calamity and destruction of vegetation. 

84. During the lordship of Kubera, there will be loss of wealth to the wealthy; there will also be increase in grains. During Varuna’s lordship, there will be distress for the kings, but peace for others. 

85. During Agni's lordship of the syzygies, there will be plenty of rains, increase in vegetation and peace. During the lordship of Yama over the syzygies, there will be drought, loss of crops and adversity. 

86. If an eclipse occurs before the computed time, there will be destruction to crops and fierce battles amongst kings, (if it occurs) after (the computed time) there will be destruction of flowers, fear and loss of crops. 

87. If eclipses of both the Sun and the Moon occur during the same month, there will be enmity amongst the rulers of the land, loss of wealth and absence of rains. 

88. If the rising or setting Sun or Moon is eclipsed, the destruction of kings and grains will result; if (in such cases), the Sun and the Moon are eclipsed completely, they will cause starvation, disease and arson, 

89. An eclipse during the northward course of the Sun (saumyāyana) is destructive of royalty and brahmins and that in the southern course is destructive of the other (castes). Råhu observed in the four directions, reckoned from the north will destroy (the four castes), brahmin etc., in that order. 

90. There are ten types of immersion, and, in the same manner, ten types of emergence as well. These cannot be properly identified even by Gods; then, what of ordinary men? 

91-92a. Having derived the true positions of planets by calculations, one should cogitate about their respective rates of motion (chara). Rate of planetary motion (grahachara) is the means of ascertaining auspicious and inauspicious times. Hence, the wise should strive to ascertain those times. 

TAIL OF THE DRAGON: KETUCĀRA

 92b-93a. The rising and setting of comets (Ketu-s) are in the form of forebodings to men. They are of three types, Divya (Divine'), Antariksha 'Atmospherical', and Bhauma (Earthly') and yield auspicious and inauspicious fruits. 

93b-95a. The Antariksha ones are said to occur in the shape of sacrificial flags, missiles, houses, chariots, trees and elephants, and, also, of the shape of posts, javelins and hooks. The Divya types occur in the asterism and the Bhauma ones on the earth. A comet (Ketu), though really one, appears in different shapes, to destroy creatures on the earth. 

95b-96. As many days as a comet continues to be visible in one or the other of its different shapes, its effect will extend over so many months; and, as many months (as it is visible, its effect will extend over so many) years. The 'Divine' comets continue to be effective for a life-time. 

97. A comet which is short, resplendent, fair or white causes rain. A tall comet sets in a short time and causes drought. 

98. A comet of the shape of a rainbow brings ill luck, and one like a spear with two, three or four points is said to destroy the land. 

99. Resplendent comets of the from of a gem, garland, or gold, rising in the east or west, are injurious to kings. 

100. Comets having the hue of the (red) bandhuka flower, blood (kşhataja), parrot's beak etc., are born of Fire and are (as destructive as fire). 

101. The comets born of the Earth have the glaze of water or oil, and are circular; they cause starvation and fear. White comets, born of the Moon, bring about prosperity and peace. 

102. Brahmadanda, the comet, born of Brahma, is three-hued and three-horned and is known to raze down the entire population (of a country). 

103. The white comets that show up in the north-east are born of Bhargava (Venus) and are harbingers of ill luck. The two-horned comets, which are born of the 'Slow-moving' (Saturn) and are called Kanaka, also bring ill luck. 

104. The comets called Vikacha-s, born of Jupiter, are inauspicious even if they occur in the south. The tiny white comets, born of Mercury, threaten with robbers and disease. 

105. The Mars-born comets, called Kunkuma-s, red-hued and javelin-like, are harbingers of ill luck. However, the Fire-born comets called Vishvarupa-s and of the hue of fire, are producers of happiness. 

106. The darkish comets, called Aruna-s, born of the Sun, are inauspicious. However, the star-shaped comets born of Venus bring auspiciousness. 

107. A comet which occurs in the constellation of Kruttika, causes the destruction of the people, while one seen over a palace, tree or hill causes the destruction of the king. 

108. The comet called Kaumuda, resembling a lily, brings prosperity but the comet called Avartaketu, with three horns (trishirah), is inauspicious if it rises at dusk. 

THE YEAR: SAMVATSARA

 109. Measures of time and their use. Measures of time are nine, being, Brahma, Deva, Manu, Pitrya, Saura, Savana, Chandra, Arksha and Guru. 

110. From among these nine measures, practical reckoning is done only through five. The practical use of each is set out here. 

111. The motion of the planets is reckoned through the solar measure (saura-mana). The reckoning of the rainy season and pregnancy of women are reckoned through the civil measure (sāvana-māna). 

112a. (Times for) rains and the pregnancy, of clouds are reckoned through the siderial measure (nakshatra-mana). 

1125-113a. Times for setting out on a pilgrimage (yatra) marriage, religious fasts and tonsure, lords of the tithi (lunar day) and the year, the day of the syzygies, setting up a house, observance of religious fasts etc., are all fixed through the lunar measure (chandra-mana). 

113b-114. The year. The years Prabhava etc. are reckoned on the basis of the Jovian measure (Guru-mana). A year by each measure is made up of 12 months of that measure. The years Prabhava etc. are measured off by the mean motion of Jupiter. 

115-120. (The sixty Jovian years are) : (1) Prabhava, (2) Vibhava, (3) Shukla, (4) Pramoda, (5) Prajapati, (6) Angiras, (7) Shrimukha, (8) Bhava, (9) Yuvā, (10) Dhata, (11) Ishvara, (12) Bahudhånya, (13) Pramåthi, (14) Vikrama, (15) Vrusha, (16) Chitrabhanu, (17) Subhanu, (18) Tarana, (19) Pärthiva, (20) Vyaya, (21) Sarvajit, (22) Sarvadhāri, (23) Virodhi, (24) Vikruta, (25) Khara, (26) Nandana, (27) Vijaya, (28) Jaya, (29) Manmatha, (30) Durmukha, (31) Hemalamba, (32) Vilamba, (33) Vikari, (34) Shárvari, (35) Lava, (36) Shubhakrut, (37) Shobhana, (38) Krodhi, (39) Vishvavasu, (40) Prabhava, (41) Plavanga, (42) Kilaka, (43) Saumya, (44) Sadharana, (45) Virodhakrut, (46)Paribhavi, (47) Pramadi, (48) Ananda, (49) Rakshasa, (50) Anala, (51) Pingala, (52) Kalayukta, (53) Siddhartha, (54) Raudra, (55) Durmati, (56) Dundubhi, (57) Rudhirodgári, (58) Raktākşha, (59) Krodhana, and (60) Kşhaya. 

121a. These sixty years have, all, effects according to their nomenclature. 

121b-123a. Five years make up a Yuga; thus, there are 12 yugas (in a Jovian cycle). Their lords are, in order: (1) Vishnu, (2) Bruhaspati (Devapurohita), (3) Purandara, (4) Lohita, (5) Tvașhtru, (6) Ahirbudhnya, (7) Pitrus, (8) Vishve devas, (9) Shashi, (10) Indragni, (11) Ashvins and (12) Bhaga. 

123b. The lords of the different years of the yuga are: (1) Agni, (2) Ina or Surya, (3) Indu or Chandra, (4) Vidhi or Brahma, and (5) Ishvara or Shiva. 

124. One should announce the effects (of a year) only after fully ascertaining (and balancing) the strength and weakness of the lords of the year, commander-in-chief and the lord of vegetation and also the motion of the planets at the time. 

125. Uttarayana and Dakshinayana. Reckoning from the commencement of Capricorn, six months, in the solar measure constitute Uttarayana (the northward course of the Sun); this is also the day time of the gods. (The six months) beginning from cancer is Dakshinayana (southward course of the Sun) and that forms the night (of the gods). 

126-127a. During Uttarayana should be performed all such auspicious rites as the first entry into the house, marriage, consecration of idols, ritual tying of the girdle made of munja grass, sacrifices etc. (yajñādi). During Dakshināyana is to be done all inauspicious acts. 

127b-128. The seasons. Two months each, as reckoned from Magha constitute the (six) seasons Shishira etc. Thus, during uttarayana occur (the three seasons) Shishira (cool), Vasanta (Spring) and Grishma (hot), commencing from capricorn. And, during dakshinayana occur (the three seasons) Varsha (rainy), Sharad (autumn) and Hemanta (winter). 

129. The months. Lunar months are reckoned up to the end of the new moon and solar months from Sankranti i.e., entry of the Sun into the relevant signs of the Zodiac). In 30 days would one revolution of the Moon be completed, as also one siderial (nakshatra) month. 

130-131a. The names of the 12 months from Chaitra are, in order: (1) Madhu, (2) Madhava, (3) Shukra, (4) Shuchi, (5) Nabha, (6) Nabhasya, (7) Isha, (8) Urja, (9) Saha, (10) Sahasyaka, (11) Tapa and (12) Tapasyaka. 

131b-132a. That constellation in which the full moon occurs in any month, that month is named after that constellation. That full moon is also named with the name of the constellation tacked to it). 

 132b-133a. The fortnights. The two fortnights, viz., Shukla (bright) and krishna (dark) of the month are termed daiva (pertaining to the gods') and pitrya (pertaining to the manes). he two are specified for the performance of auspicious and inauspicious rites, respectively, 

TITHIS: LUNAR DAYS

133b-135. Lords of the days. The lords of the lunar days are in order: Brahma, Agni, Virinchi, Vishnu, Shailaja, Vinayaka, Yama, Nāga, Chandra, Skanda, Arka, Vasava, Mahendra, Vasava, Nāga, Durga, Dandadhara, Shiva, Vishnu, Hari, Ravi, Kama, Sarpa, Kali, Chandra, Viśhvedevāḥ, and Darśha. So also, are the manes. 

136-137a. The names of the (fifteen) lunar days are, Nandá, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Pūrna, these being repeated thrice.⁸ During the bright fortnight, their effect should be counted as non-beneficial, medium and beneficial. In the dark fortnight, however, the reckoning should be beneficial, medium and non-beneficial, in order. 

8. Thus, Nanda days are: I, 6, 11; Bhadra: 2, 7, 12; Jaya: 3, 8, 13, Riktā: 4, 9, 14 and Pūrna: 5, 10, 15. 

137b-138a. Auspicious and inauspicious days. (In a fortnight, five days, being) the eighth, twelfth, sixth, fourth and fourteenth are called paksha-randhra ("holes in the fortnight') and are declared to be highly dreary. 

138b-139a. If it is desired to perform any auspicious act in the said five nonauspicious days, one should reject 7, 14, 9, 9 and 24 nädikas, respectively, (as reckoned from the commencement of the day). 

139b-140a. Except for amavasya (the new moon) and navami (the 9th), the odd days are commendable (for auspicious rites). The pratipad (first day) is always of medium (benefit). 

140b-141a. One should abstain from an oil bath on shashthi (the 6th), meat on ashtami (the eighth), haircut on the day of Kali (i.e., the first), and recourse to women on full moon and new moon. 

141b-142a. One should never clean the teeth on new moon, pratipad (1st), dvadashi (12th), the pratiparva i.e., full moon) and Navami (9th). 

142b-143a. One should not take an oil bath on days of Vyatipata,⁹ sankranti, ekadashi (11th), full and new moon days, shashthi (6th) and on Sundays and Tuesday; so also, on days of Vaidhruta. ^9a 

9-9a. On Vyatipata and Vaidhruta see above, ch, 54, verses 174 ff. 

143b-45a. If one takes a bath in amalaka water¹⁰ on dashami (10th), he will lose his son; if on trayodashi (13th), he will suffer from loss of wealth; if on dvitiya (2nd), without doubt, he will lose his wealth and his son; and if on the new moon, navami (9th) and saptami (7th), his clan will be ruined. 

10. That is, water in which amalaka (myrobalan) fruit has been boiled, in view of its medical properties. 

145b-46. Anumati, Raka, Sinivali and Kuhu. On a full moon day, ( if due to astronomical circumstances) the moon is seen (even) during day-time, that full moon day is called Anumati; it is called Raka, when there is Moon (only) during the night, In the same manner, the new moon is also of two types; when moon is visible (at some part of the day), it is called Sinivali and when Moon is never visible, it is called Kuhu. 

147-48. Days of the commencement of the Yugas. The first day of Krutayuga fell on the 9th day of the bright half in the month of Kärttika. The auspicious first day of Tretäyuga was on the 3rd day of the bright fortnight in the month of Madhava. The first day of Dväparayuga was the 15th day of the dark fort night in the month of Magha. And, the first day of Kaliyuga was the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Nabhasya. 

149-152a. Days of commencement of the 14 Manus that make up a Kalpa. (1) 12th day in the bright fortnight of the month of Urja (Kärttika) (2) 9th day, bright fortnight of Ashvayuj (Ashvina); (3) 3rd day, bright fortnight of Chaitra, (4) 3rd day, bright fortnight of Bhadrapada; (5) 11th day, bright fortnight of Pausha; (6) 10th day, bright fortnight of Ashadha; (7) 7th day, bright fortnight in Magha. (8) 8th day, dark fortnight in Nabhasya (Shravana); (9) New moon in Shravana; (10) Full moon in Phālguna; (11) Full moon in Ashadha, (12) Full moon of Kärttika; (13) Full moon in Jyeshtha; and (14) Full moon in Chaitra; the above said days, which are the days of commencement of the manvantaras, are, for men, extremely meritorious in the matter of worshipping the manes (Shraddha). 

152b-153a. Gajacchaya. On the 13th day of the dark fortnight in the month of Bhadrapada, if the Moon occurs in the constellation Magha or the Sun in the constellation Hasta, the situation is called Gajacchaya, which is infinitely productive if a shraddha (is performed then) 

153b-54a. Intercalary tithis etc. If three lunar days occur on a civil day, there will be a tithikshaya (expunged lunar day). On the other hand, if a tithi extends over three civil days, there will be an adhika (intercalary) tithi.¹¹ Both are nonauspicious. 

11. This occurs for the reason that civil days and lunar days are of variable lengths and do not coincide. Thus, when a civil day is 241/2 hrs. and the relevant lunar day is 24 hrs. and commences 15 minutes after the civil day, that civil day will contain, in it, three lunar days, the first for the first 15 minutes, the second for 24 hrs, and the third for the last 15 minutės. And, to correlate the lunar days with the civil days, one tithi will have to be expunged. The converse is the case when the lunar day happens to be longer than the civil day, which latter commences a little after the lunar day has commenced.

154b-55a. A tithi that extends upto (or beyond) sunset in a civil day is said to be Akhanda ('full'); if the tithi is short (of sunset) it is called Khanda (broken).¹² 

12. This happens because the lunar day and civil day can commence at different times. A lunar day which has commenced much later than the previous sunset will, naturally, extend to beyond sunset of the relevant civil day and a lunar day which has commenced earlier than the previous sunset will fall short of the next sunset. 

155b-56a. The fifteen parts of a tithi are called, in order, Pratipad etc. Halves thereof are called kshana-sh in their (i. e., of Pratipad etc.) half-measures. 

THE DAY OF THE WEEK: VĀRA

156b-57a. Nature of the week-days. Sunday is 'firm', Monday moving', Tuesday cruel', Wednesday 'whole', Thursday 'light', Friday 'soft' and Saturday 'sharp'. 

157b-58. Effects of the week-days. A man who takes an oil bath on Sunday will be in distress, on Monday handsome, on Tuesday diseased, on Wednesday fortunate, on Thursday poor, on Friday depleted and on Saturday prosperous. 

159. The beginning of the week-day is reckoned from its occurrence in Lanka.¹³ Beyond or before it (i.e., east or west), the day will vary depending on terrestrial longitude (of the place) and the time of half ascensional difference in nadikäs (at the time of the year). 

13. Lanka (not modern Ceylon) is a hypothetical city conceived to be situated on the equator at the zero meridian of Indian astronomy. The time of sunrise at Lanka is taken as mean and local time calculated therefrom. On Lanka see above ch. 54, Verses 85-87. 

160. Any act (performed on the day) of a strong planet will be effective, while the same act performed on the day) of a weak planet will be hardly productive. 

161. The day of Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus (i.e., Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday) are effective for all acts; the other days yield result in the case only of cruel acts. 

162-163a. The Sun is dark-red, the Moon white, Mars pale-red, Mercury (dark-green) like the durva grass, Jupiter yellowish, Venus white, and Saturn dark. Each is beneficial to actions of those who are of the respective complexion. 

163b-65. (Inauspicions periods due to) the Upagrahas (secondary planets) Kulika, (called also Gulika), Upakulika, and Våravela (time when no work should be undertaken'), occur on each day of the weak, as specified below). The reckoning is in terms of praharas, (31 nädikas each) commencing from Sunday. Kulika: Sunday, at the 7th prahara; Monday, 5th; Tuesday, 4th; Wednesday, 6th; Thursday, 4th; Friday, 7th; and Saturday, 5th; Upakulika: Sunday 3rd; Monday, 2nd; Tuesday, 4th; Wednesday, 2nd; Thursday, 5th; Friday, 3rd; and, Saturday, 1st Våravela, Sunday, 8th; Monday, 2nd; Tuesday, 7th; Wednesday, 3rd; Thursday, 1st; Friday, 6th, and Saturday, 6th. The duration of each is half a prahara (i.e., one and three fourths nādikas). 

166-67a. Lords of the hour. If the lord of the hour 'kāla horeśha', for any particular time, kşhaņa-vāra, (within a day) is required, take the lord of that day as the lord of the first hour (of 2 nādikas), the sixth as the lord of the second hour and the sixth from that as the lord of the third hour. Counting repeatedly the sixth of the previous, the lords of the kāla-horas for each hour of 2 1/2 nādikas, for whole day and night are got, in that order. ¹⁴ 

14. For a detailed elucidation of the calculation of the lords of the hour and the rationale of the calculation thereof, see. Muhūrtachintamani of Råma-Daivajña, 1. 55-56, and the com. Piyushadhara by Govinda Jyotirvid (edn. N. S. Press, Bombay, 1945, pp. 49-50). 

THE ASTERISMS: NAKSHATRAS

168b-170. The lords af the nakshatras. The lords of the asterisms are, in order : (1) Ashvini- Dasrau (Ashvins); (2) Bharaṇi-Yama;(3) Kruttikä-Vahni, (Agni) ; (4) Rohiņi Brahma; (5) Mrugashiras--Chandra; (6) Ardra-Isha (Rudra); (7) Punarvasu-Aditi;(8) Pushya-Jiva, (Bruhaspati); (9) Ashlesha-- Ahi (Sarpa); (10) Magha Pitrus; (11) Pūrvaphalguni-Bhaga (12) Uttaraphalguni-Aryama; (13) Hasta-Arka (Surya); (14) Chitra-Tvașhtru; (15) Svati-Marut (Vayu) ;(16) Vishakha Shakrägni (Indragni, Dvideva), (17) Anuradha--Mitra; (18) Jyeshtha-Vasava (Indra);(19) Mula-Nirruti; (20) Purva ashadha-Udaka (Apah); (21) Uttara-ashadha-Viśhvedevāḥ; (22) Shravana-Govinda (Vishnu); (23) Dhanishtha (Shravishthå) Vasu; (24) Shatabhişhak - Toyapa (Varuna);(25)Purva-Bhadra pada-Aja Ekapad;(26)Uttara-bhadrapada--Ahirbudhnya; and (27) Revati-Pusha. 

171. Downlooking asterism. The nine asterism Purva phalguni, Purva-ashadha, Purva-bhadrapadā, Magha, Ashlesha (Ahi), Kruttika (Agni), Vishakha, Bharani (Yama) and Mula are downward-looking asterism. 

171b-172. (During their currency, the under-mentioned acts are) ordained: Entering a cave, diagrammatic and other matters based on mathematics, architectural work, digging of wells, retrieval of treasures etc. 

173. Sideways-looking asterism. The nine asterism Anuradha (Mitra), Mrugashiras (Indu), Chitra (Tvashtru), Hasta, Jyeshtha (Indra), Punarvasu (Aditi), Revati (Bhäntya), Ashvini and Svati are sideways looking. 

1736-174 During their currency, the undermentioned acts are ordained: Driving the plough, travel, riding the bullock cart (gantri) driving machines, elephants and camels, and directing chariots drawn by asses and oxen, floating naval vessels, and work with buffaloes and horses. 

175a. Upward-looking asterism. The nine asterism Rohiņi (Prajapati), Shravana (Vishnu), Ardra (Mahesha), Pushya (Arya) Shatabhishak, Dhanishtha (Vasu), Uttaraphalguni, Uttara-ashadha and Uttara-bhadrapada, are upward-looking. 

175b-176. (During their currency, the undermentioned acts are ordained: Royal consecration, marriage, hoisting the flag on the rampart, and erection of palaces, arches, gardens and forts. 

177. Classification of asterism. The (four) asterism Rohiņi, Uttara-phalguni, Uttara-ashadha and Uttara-bhadrapada are 'fixed' sthira). The (three) asterism Hasta (Surya), Ashvini and Pushya are 'light' (kshipra). Vishakha (Dvidaivatya) and Kruttikä (Vahnibha) are 'medium'. 

178. The (five) asterism Dhanishtha (Vasu), Punarvasu (Aditya), Shatabhishak (Ambu), Svati and Shravana (Vishnu) are ‘moving (Chara). The (four) asterism Mrugashirsha (Indu), Anuradha (Mitra), Chitra and Revati (Antya) are 'soft' (mrudu). And, the (five) asterism Purva-phålguni, Purva-ashadha, Purva bhadrapada, Magha, and Bharani (Antaka, Yama) are 'violent (ugra). 

179a. The (four) Asterism Mula, Ardra Ashlesha (Indra) and Jyeshtha (Indra) are 'sharp' (tikşhana). All have effects in con sonance with their nomenclatures. 

179b-180a. Karnavedha. It is auspicious to perforate the ears of boys in Chitra, Punarvasu (Aditya), Ashvini, Shravana (Vishnu), Revati (Antya, Hasta (Ravi), Anuradha (Mitra), Shravişhthả (Vasu), Mrugashiras and Pushya (Ijya). 

180b-81. Dealings with elephants and horses. All matters relating to elephants (like their taming, sale, purchase etc.) should be done in the asterism Ashvini (Dasra), Mrugashiras (Indu), Punarvasu (Aditi), Pushya (Tishya), Hasta, Chitra and Svati. All matters relating to horses should be done in the duration of) the 'fixed' stars (viz. Rohiņi, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarăşhadha and Uttarabhadrapada), and especially on Sundays. 

182. Cattle. Trade etc. in cattle is recommended in Chitra, Shatabhishak (Varuna), Rohini (Vairinchi), Uttaraphalguni, Uttara ashadha and Uttara-bhadrapada. This should, however, be never done on ashtami, chaturdashi and the new moon day. 

183. Agriculture. The first driving of the plough (in a season) shall be done with oxen, in the (20 asterism) consisting of the mrudu, dhruva (sthira), kshipra and chara groups, ^14a Vishakha, Magha (Pitru) and Mula. 

14a. For the asterisms comprising these groups, see above, under verses 177-79. 

184-85. In the Langala-chakra (diagram of the plough' with the asterism represented on it), three asterism reckoned from the one in which the Sun is at the time of consideration, tend to destroy the oxen; the next three, which from the tip, tend to the production of plenty; the next five, which form the sides, tend to happiness; the next nine forming the three spikes, lead to death; the next five lead to prosperity and the last three, towards the tail end are extremely beneficial.¹⁵ 

15. On the Langala-chakra or Halachakra and the citation of authorities in the matter, including the verses of Narada translated here, see Com. Piyushadhara by Govinda Jyotirvid on the Muhürtachintamani of Råmadaivajña, (edn. N. S. Press, Bombay, 1945, pp. 73-74). Langalachakras, with 28 asterisms, including Abhijit, have also been conceived. For the description of such a Chakra, see Narapatijayacharya, (Kashi Skt. Ser. 205, Varanasi, 1971), pp. 201-02. 

186. Sowing. Sowing (crops) would be highly fruitful if done under the mrudu, dhruva (sthira) and Kshipra groups of asterism as also under Magha (Pitru), Svati (Vayu), Dhanishtha (Vasu) and Mula. 

187-88. (In the Phanichakra, the diagram of the serpent Råhu', with the asterism represented on its body) the three-asterism reckoned from the asterism in which Råhu occurs at the time under consideration will form its hood; (if sowing is done under those asterism), the crops will be destroyed. The next three asterism which form the neck will conduce the growth of weed (kajjala or Shyamika). The next twelve asterism forming the body will conduce to plenitude. The next four asterisms forming the tail will conduce to the dearth of grains. The remaining) five asterism, which are outside the serpent diagram), portend destruction to the crop.¹⁶ 

16. For details about this serpent diagram and for further authorities in the matter, see the com. Piyüshadhara by Govinda on the Muhurtachintamani of Råmadaivajña, 2. 29 (edn., N. I. Press, Bombay, 1945, pp. 72-73) and Narapatijayacharya, op. chit., pp. 202-03. 

189. Bath after recovery from illness. One should not give a bath to a person recovered from illness; under the asterism of the sthira group, Punarvasu (Aditi), Ashlesha (Sarpa), Revati (Antya), Magha (Pitru) and Svati (Maruts), and, so also, on Monday and Friday. 

190. Dance. Commencement of dance is recommended in the asterism Uttara-phalguni, Uttara-ashadha, Uttara bhadrapada, Anuradha (Maitra), Jyeshtha (Indra), Dhanishtha (Vasu), Shatabhishak (Varuna), Pushya, Hasta (Arka), and Revati (Paushnya). 

191-92a. Conjugal felicity. Six asterism beginning with Revati (Paushna) form the first group, twelve asterism beginning from Ardra (Rudra) form the middle group and nine asterisms from Jyeshtha (Indra) form the final group, in order, in the consideration of the conjugal felicity of couples. 

1926-93. Size of the asterism. The smaller asterism (Jaghanya) are Shatabhishak (Toyapa), Ardra, Ashlesha (Ahi), Svati (Pavana), Bharaņi (Yama) and Jyeshtha (Näkapa). 

The bigger Stars. Dhruva, Punarvasu (Aditi) and Vishakha (Dvidaivatya) are the bigger stars (bruhat); their measures in nādi's are 30, 90 and 82. The remaining asterism are medium (Sama) in size.

194. Prices are reduced to half during the asterism Ashvini, Kruttika (Agni), Pusya (Ijya), Mula (Nairrutya), Chitra Tvästra), Uttaraphalgunī, Uttarăşhadha and Uttarabhadrapada. 

195-96a. Kula-asterism and victory in battle: The Kula asterism are Magha (pitru), Vishakha (Dvidaivatya) and Dhanishthả (Vasu). The Akula-asterism are: Rohiņi (Dhatru), Jyeshtha, Punarvasu (Aditi), Svati, Revati (Paushna), Hasta (Arka), Shravana (Hari), Pūrvabhadrapada (Aja), Bharani (Antaka) and Ashlesha (Bhaujanga). The remaining stars are Kulakula. 

196b-98a. From among these, if kings set out for battle during the Kula-asterism, they will suffer defeat, while in Akula asterism, assuredly, they will win. During the Kulakula-asterism there would be equality (of results) and peace will follow'. 

1986-199a. Pushkara, the inauspicious combination. If an odd quarter of the (Purva)-bhadrapada falls on a Sunday, Saturday or Tuesday, (the inauspicious yoga of) Tripushkara occurs and will have the destructive) effect of three Pushkaras. If the combination is with an even quarter of the asterism (it will be Dvipushkara) having double the destructive) effect. 

199b-200a. In order to destroy the evil effect of the former, gift away three cows or their value in money; in the case of the Dvipushkara, gift away two (cows). The inauspicious effect of the asterism would then be obviated. 

200b-201a. Effect of Pushya. The asterism Pushya aspected by a cruel (planet) or in combination with it, is always beneficial in all auspicious rites except in marriage. 

201b-103. Number of prominent stars in the asterisms. The number of bright stars called Yogatārās, in the asterism-groups beginning with Aśhvani (Dasra) are in order: (Ashvini)3, (Bharani) 3, (Kruttika) 6, (Rohiņi) 5, (Mruga-Shiras) 3, (Ardra) 1, (Punarvasu) 4, (Pushya) 3, (Ashlesha) 5, (Magha) 5, (Purvaphalguni) 2, Uttaraphalguni) 2, (Hasta) 5, (Chitra) 1, (Svati) 1, (Vishakha) 2, (Anuradha ) 4, (Jyeshtha) 3, (Mula) 11, (Pūrvāşhadha) 4, (Uttarashadha) 2, (Shravana) 4, (Dhanishtha) 3, (Shatabhishak) 100, (Pūrvabhadrapada) 2, (Uttarabhadrapada) 2, (Revati) 32. 

204-10. Favourite trees of the asterisms. The trees favourite to the different asterisms are: Ashvini: Vrusha-vruksha; Bharani: Yamakara; Kruttika: Udumbara; Rohiņi: Jambuka; Mrugashiras: Khadira; Ardra: Krishnaplakşha; Punarvasu: Vamsha (bamboo); Pushya: Pippala (Peepul); Ashlesha: Nāga; Magha: Vata (banyan); Purvaphalguni: Palasha; Uttaraphalguni: Aksha: Hasta: Arishta; Chitra: Shrivruksha (Vilva); Svati: Arjuna; Vishakha: Vikankata; Anuradha: Bakula: Jyeshtha: Vishti: Mula: Sarja; Purvaşhadha: Vanjula; Uttaraşhadha: Panasa (Jack tree); Shravana: Arka; Dhanishtha: Shami; Shatabhishak: Kadamba; Pūrvabhadrapada: Chūta (mango); Uttarabhadrapada: Pichumandaka; and Revati: Madhu. 

211a. One (born in a particular asterism) should endeavour to worship the relevant tree when Saturn is in the particular asterism.

YOGA

211b-12a. Lords of the Togas. The presiding deities of the 24 Yogas^ı7 are: (1. Vishkambha): Yama; (2. Priti): Viśhvedevāḥ; (3 Ayuşhmán): Moon; (4. Saubhagya): Dhata; (5. Shobhana): Jiva (Bruhaspati); (6. Atiganda): Moon; (7. Sukarma): Indra; (8. Dhruti): Varuna (Toya); (9. Shula): Ahi; (10, Ganda): Agni; (11. Vruddhi): Surya; (12. Dhruva): Bhumi; (13. Vyāghata): Rudra; (14. Harshana): Brahmä (Ka); (15. Vajra): Varuna (Toyapa); (16. Siddhi): Gaņeśha; (17. Vyatipāta): Rudra; (18. Variyas): Kubera (Dhanada); (19. Parigha): Tvashtā, (20. Shiva): Mitra; (21. Siddha): Şhadanana, (22. Sadhya) Săvitrī, (23. Shubha): Kamalā; (24. Shukla): Gauri, (25. Brahman): Näsatyas (26. Indra): Pitrus: and (27. Vaidhruti): Aditi. 

17. The Yoga as noted earlier (see fn. to Ch. 65, verse 124), is a period of variable length, during which the joint motion in longitude of the Sun and the Moon amounts to the span of an asterism in the zodiac, viz., 19° 20'. The 27 yogas contained in 360° are wholly of astrological significance, not astronomical. Being one of the five items (panchanga) the yoga for each day would be specified in the Hindu almanacs.

212b. Effects of the yogas. The yogas, vaidhruti and vyatipata are always highly catastrophic. 

213-15a. The first half of Parigha is abhorred for all rites. In Vishkambha and Vajra, the first three nädikas, in Ganda and Atiganda six, in Vyāghata nine, and in Shula five nådikäs are to be rejected. 

215b-16a. Kharjürikā diagram. The asterisms Punarvasu (Aditi), Mrugashiras (Indu), Magha, Ashlesha (Ahi), Ashvini, Mula, Hasta (Maitreya) Pushya (Ijya), with their diagrams have to be understood as the Head-asterisms (mūrdha-bha), in order. 

216b-18a. Draw a vertical line and 13 lines across it. In that diagram called Kharjürika-chakra, place the Head-asterism. Between the Sun and the Moon marked on the vertical line, mark the (26) asterisms, leaving out Abhijit (the 28th nakshatra). (The pair of asterisms) on each cross line (Ekärgala) aspect each other. 

218b-19a. Duration of a yoga. A yoga extends to two nādikas and 12 vinädikas, and the yogas are 27 in number, in order (in a lunar day). 

KARANA

219b-220a. Lords of the Karanas. The lords of the 11 half tithis (Karanas) are: (1. Bava): Indra; (2. Balava): Prajapati; (3. Kaulava): Mitra; (4. Taitila), Aryama; (5. Gara): Bhuh (Earth); (6. Vanij): Lakshmi (Haripriya): (7. Vishți): Kināśha; (8. Shakuni): Kali; (9. Nāga); Rudra: (10, Chatushpada): Ahi, (11. Kimstughna): Marut. 

220b-21a. The six karanas from Bava to Vanij are auspicious. However, Vishti, either in the beginning or in the end, is not desirable for any auspicious rite. 

221b-22a. Karana diagram. (In the diagrammatic representation of the Karanas), five would be in the face, one in the neck, eleven in the chest, four in the navel, six at the waist and three in the tail, in terms of nädikas. 

222b-13a. Those in the face indicate obstruction to one’s acts; in the neck, death; in the chest, penury; in the waist, madness; in the navel, loss; but in the tail sure success. 

223b. Of the (24 karanas), the sthira-karanas, (viz., Shakuni, Naga, Chatushpada and Kimstughna) are of medium effect; and, of them too, the middle ones, Naga and Chatushpada.

MUHORTA

224b-25a. Lords of the muhurtas. The muhurtas of day time are lorded over by fifteen (deities, as under): Rudra, Ahi, Mitra, Pitrus, Vasu, Varuna (Udaka), Vishvedevas, Vidhātā, Brahma, Indra, Indrågni, Vasu, Varuna, (Toyapa), Aryamă and Bhaga. 

225b-26a. (The lords of the muhurtas of the night are): Isha, Aja-Ekapad, Ahirbudhnya, Pusha, Ashvins, Yama, Agni, Dhatru, Indra, Aditi, Ijya (Bruhaspati), Vishnu, Arka, Tvashtr and Vayu. 

226b-27a. The measure of a muhurta is one fifteenth part of the day-time and so also night-time (i.e., 2 nādika) with their lords as stated above. 

227b-228. Muhurtas to be avoided. On the (seven) weekdays beginning with Sunday, (the undermentioned seven sets of Muhurtas) should be rejected for all auspicious rites: (1. Sunday): Uttaraphalguni (Aryama); (2. Monday): Mula (Rakshasa) and Rohini (Brahma); (3. Tuesday): Magha (Pitru) and Kruttika (Agneya); (4. Wednesday): Abhijit; (5. Thursday); Mula (Rakshasa); (6. Friday): Rohiņi (Brahma) and Magha (Pitru); and (7. Saturday): Ashlesha (Bhujanga). 

229. Muhurtas and Nakshatras, Whatever rite has been ordained to be performed in specific nakshatras, all those acts, including pilgrimages, shall be done during the muhurtas lorded over by the respective deities. 

UPAGRAHA (SECONDARY ATMOSPHERIC PHENOMENA)

230-33a. Portentuous natural phenomena. Earthquake in the seventh asterism from Hasta (Süryabham), lightning in the fifth; Shula in the eighth, thunder in the tenth, comet in the eighteenth, Danda in the fifteenth, meter in the nineteenth, thunder-strike in the fourteenth, fall of thunderbolt in the fourteenth, and atmospheric haze (moha), thunder, earthquake, thunderbolt and halo (round the moon) respectively in the twenty-first and further asterisms (are inauspicious) and no auspicious rite should be performed in the asterisms in which the above occur along with the Moon 

233b-35a. Other inauspicious combinations (Yogas). The Moon occurring in the asterisms Ashlesha (Sarpa), Magha (Pitrya), Chitra (Tväshtra) Anuradhā (Mitra) and Revati (Antya), causes an inauspicious yoga to occur in the asterism as much removed from Ashvini as each of these are removed from Hasta (Suryabha), So also in Shravana (Vişhnubha). 

235b. The said two yogas are called respectively Chandisha and Chandayudha. No auspicious rite should be performed then. 

236a. Krakacha-yoga. A krakacha-yoga ‘cutting saw combination’ will occur when the sum of lunar day and Week-day is 13. This is to be rejected for any auspicious rite. 

236b-37a. Samvartayoga. When Sunday falls on the seventh lunar day or Monday on the first lunar day, a samvartayoga (‘dissolution combination’) will occur. This is all destructive. 

237b-40a. The twenty-eight asterismal yogas.¹⁸ The following eight yogas produce effect, as per their meanings; Ananda (pleasure), Kaladanda (Death’s rod), Dhumra (Smoky), Dhatru (protective), Sudhākara (ambrosial), Dhuanksha (crow) Dhvaja (lag), Shrivatsa (Vishnu’s gem), Vajra (thunderbolt), Mudgara (spade), Chatraka (umbrella), Mitra (friend), Manasa (heart), Padma (lotus), Lumbaka (cutting), Utpåta (calamitous), Mrutyu (death), Kana (blind), Siddhi (achievement), Shubha (auspicious ), Amrutyu (deathlessness), Musala (pestle), Antaka (death), Kunjara (elephant), Rakshasa (demoniac), Chara (moving), Sthairya (firm) and Vardhamana (increasing). 

18. Since 28 yogas are mentioned here, the asterism Abhijit has also to be reckoned along with the accepted 27 asterisms. 

240b-41. These yogas are to be reckoned, in order, from Ashvini (Dasrabha) on Sundays; from Mrugashiras (Indubha) on Mondays; from Ashlesha (Sarpa) on Tuesdays; from Hasta on Wednesdays; from Anuradha Maitrabha) on Thursdays; from Uttaraşhadha (Vaišhvadeva) on Fridays and from Shatabhishak (Varuna) on Saturdays.¹⁹ 

19. The reckoning is made thus: Consider the asterism prevailing on the relevant day. Count its number from Asvini on Sunday. Mrugashiras on Monday, etc. The yoga of that number (counted from Ananda) will be prevailing on that day. 

242-43a. Siddhiyogas for the week-days. Hasta on Sunday, Mrugashiras (chandrabha) on Monday, Ashvini (Dasrabha) on Tuesday, Anuradha (Mitrabha) on Wednesday, Revati on Thursday, Pushya (Tishya) on Friday and Rohiņi on Saturday; these are called as Siddhi-yogas (combinations for achievement) 

243b-44a. Effect of tithis classified as Nanda, Bhadra etc. ²⁰ It is not auspicious to have Nanda on Sunday and Tuesday, Bhadra on Friday and Monday, Jaya on Wednesday, Riktā on Thursday and Pūrna on Saturday. 

20. The fifteen lunar days are divided into five classes: I. Nanda: 1,6, 11; Bhadra 2, 7, 12; Jaya 9, 8, 13; Rikta: 4, 9, 14, Pūrna: 5, 10, 15. They have effects according to the meanings of the different terms. See above, vv, 136-37. 

244b-45a. (On the other hand), Nanda on Friday, Bhadra on Wednesday, Jaya on Tuesday, Riktā on Saturday and Pūrna on Thursday are termed siddha, indicating achievement). 

245b-46. Dagdhayoga. Monday on the eleventh lunar day, Sunday on the twelfth, Thursday on the sixth, Wednesday on the third, Friday on the eighth, Saturday on the ninth and Tuesday on the fifth are declared as dagdhayogas (destructive combinations). 

247-48a. Some destructive Yogas. Bharani on Sunday, Chitra on Monday, Uttaraşhadha (Viśhvabha) on Tuesday, Śhravişhthā on Wednesday, Uttaraphalguni (Aryamábha) on Thursday, Jyeshtha on Friday and Revati on Saturday are destructive to one born in the respective asterisms. 

248b-49a. Vishakha, Ashlesha (Ahi) and Chaturvarga are declared as the three asiddhi-yogas, Utpåta, Mrutyu and Kana, in order, for the days beginning from Sunday. 

249b-50a. In other lands like Hūņa, Vanga aud Khasa, the Yogas calculated on the basis of the lunar day cum week-day are not to be applied, but those calculated on the basis of weekday cum asterisms are auspicious. 

SANKRANTI (SUN’S TRANSIT INTO A SIGN)

250b-51a. Week-days and Sankranti. The Sun’s transits (Sankrantis) on the several week-days commencing from Sunday are called, respectively, Ghora, Dhvánkshi, Mahodari, Manda, Mandakini, Mishra and Rakshasika. 

251b-52a. These transits will bring happiness, respectively, to the Shudra, thief, vaishya, brahmana, king, cow and all the beings not included above. 

252b-54a. Time of the transits. The Sun’s transit occurring during the forenoon is harmful to the kings, to the brahmanas at noon, to the vaishyas in the afternoon, to the shudras at sunset, to the ghosts, at dusk, the demons in the night, the actors after midnight, the cowherds at sunrise and the religious students at dawn. 

254b-55a. Effects of the Sun’s transit into Aries. Meşhasankranti (Sun’s tratsit into Aries, and, so, the beginning of the year), occurring during day-time is productive of calamity and quarrel; if it occurs during night, there would be sumptuous plenitude; and if it occurs during the twilights, rains will be ruined. 

255b-58a. Personification of the Sankrantis. The personification of the Sankrantis when they fall in one or the other of the eleven karanas, from Bava, are endowed with the following mounts: Lion, tiger, bear, ass, elephant, buffalo, horse, dog, goat, ox and cock. Weapons carried in their hands are Bhuśhundi, mace, sword, rod, bow, javelin, pike, rope, hook, missile and arrow, respectively. The food offerings prescribed for them are, respectively, rice, rice cooked in milk, rice obtained by begging, cake, milk, curd, sweet rice, molasses, wine, ghee and sugar. 

258b-60a. State of the personifications while in the Karanas. The Sun’s personification is deemed to be ‘sitting’ if the transit occurs in Vanij, Bälava, and Gara; it is said to be ‘erect’ (i.e., standing) in Kaulava, Shakuna and Kimstughna; the Sun is supposed to make the transit ‘sleeping’ if it occurs during Chatushpada, Taitila and Naga. (The effect of the said three states) in the matter of the performance of ordained duties, longevity and rains would be medium, excellent and depletion, respectively. 

260b-61a. The above-said weapons, mounts and food if adopted by the people will also be beneficial to them, as also their condition as sleeping, sitting or standing at the time of sankranti). 

261b-62a. Classification of the asterisms. The asterisms are also classified into four types, designated, respectively, as Andhaka Manda, Madhya and Sulochana, as counted from Rohiņi. 

262b. Vishnupada. The transit of the Sun into the ‘firm’ asterisms, (viz., Uttaraphalguni, Uttaraşhadha and Uttarabhadrapada and Rohiņi, is called Vishnupada. 

263. Shadashitimukha and Vishuvat. The transit of the Sun into the double-natured signs, ²¹ (viz., Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu and Mina) is called Şhadashitimukha, while the transit into the signs Tula and Mesha is called Vishuvai (Equinox). 

21. The twelve signs of the zodiac are classified into three: Cara or ‘moving', being Mesha, Karka, Tula and Makara, sthira or 'fixed', being Vrusha, Şimha, Vruśhchika and Kumbha, and dvisvabhava or double-natured', being Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu and Mina.

264a. During the southward course of the Sun (Yāmyayana) the former, (viz., the double natured signs) are firm (sthira in relation to the Moon and the asterisms, and Chara (‘moving’) in the northward course of the Sun (saumye). 

264b-265. Holy time at equinox (Punyakāla). At the Equinoxes, sixteen nädikas (before it and 16 after it, making a total of 32 nädikas are said to be holy nädikas, suitable for meritorious rites. Dusk (sandhya) extends through three nädikas before the rising of the centre of the Sun’s orb in the morning) and after the setting thereof, in the evening. If (the Sankranti, i.e., Sun’s transit, occurs before or after midnight, the holy time, (one half of which is of 15 nädikas), extends through the afternoon of the previous day and the forenoon of) the next day. 

266. (By performing meritorious rites at the time of sankranti) one reaps results corresponding to the nature of the Sun and the Moon in the relevant sign, according as the Sun or the Moon is benevolent or otherwise. 

267. Expiation for Unholy time at Sankrama. Take the degrees that the Sun, after making a transit (into Mesha or Tula), has to go to reach the transit into the ayana; if at one’s birth asterism occurs within that period on either-side of the transit into the sign, the two are not auspicious for fasts and marriages. In order to counteract the evil, spread out sesame and draw on it a circle, trident and a triangle, place a bit of gold on it and gift it away. 

268-70. Power of Sankrama. The Moon is strong on account of the strength of the asterisms and the Sun at transit is strong on account of the Moon. In the same manner, the planets are also strong (at the time of the Sun’s transit). 

GOCARA (CURRENT MOTION OF THE PLANETS)

271. Effect of the planets occupying the different signs.²² O sage! the Sun is benefic when it occupies the 3rd, 11th, 10th or 6th sign counted from the birth-sign (of the person under consideration), if it is not affected²³ by planets other than Saturn²⁴ occupying the 9th 5th, 4th, (ambu) 12th (rippha). 

22. The sign of the Zodiac (which corresponds also to the 'house' and 'mansion in a horoscopic diagram) which the Moon occupies at the time of one's brith is termed the Birth-sign' (janma-rashi) of the individual concerned. Other signs are counted taking the 'birth-sign', as the first. 

23. If a planet is affected' (Viddha, 'pierced', i.e., under Vedha) it might turn into a malignant sign even if it had been primarily benefic, 

24. The presence of Saturn in the prohibited signs 9, 5, 4 and 12 is tolerated because, being the son of Sun, it would not turn malefic against its own father. The rule is that neither will a son be malignant towards his father nor a father towards his son. The rule is applicable in the cases also of Moon and Mercury, below. 

272. The Moon is benefic if it occupies the 7th (dyüna) 1st, 11th, 6th (ari) 10th or 3rd sign from the birth-sign, if it is not affected by planets other than Mercury in the 5th, 8th, 12th, 4th and 9th (dharma) signs, 

273. Mars is benefic if it occupies the 3rd, 11th or 6th sign from the birth-sign if it is not affected by Saturn, Mercury or Sun occupying, respectively, the 12th (vyaya), 5th and 9th signs. 

274. Mercury is benefic if it occupies the 4th, 6th, 8th 10th or 11th sign from the birth-sign if it is not affected by planets other than the Moon in the 5th (dhi), 3rd, 9th, 1st, 8th and 12th signs. 

275. O great sage! Jupiter is benefic in the 11th, 9th 4th or 7th sign from the birth-sign, if it is not affected by the planets in the 12th, 8th, 10th, 4th and 3rd signs. 

276. Venus is benefic in the 1st to 5th (asuta), 8th, 9th 12th or 11th signs from the birth-sign, if it is not affected by planets in the 8th, 7th, 1st, 10th, 5th, 11th, 6th and 3rd signs, 

277. No planet will be benefic if its current position is affected by another planet). Hence good and bad results shall be predicted only after duly considering planetary affectation. 

278. A planet which has turned malefic on account of being adversely affected (by a planet) can still be benefic if aspected by a beneficent planet, while even a beneficent planet might be productive of evil effects if aspected by an evil planet. 

279a. Two (inimical) planets will not produce their individual effects if they aspect one another. 

279b-80a. A planet occupying the sign of an evil planet or the house of an enemy planet, or if it has already set will not produce its good or bad effects. 

280b-81a. When planets occupy malefic places, one should take steps to perform propitiatory rites, for one’s progress and regress are dependent upon the planets, for which reason they are worthy of worship. 

281b-82. Precious Stones. Towards the propitiation of the planets Sun etc., one should wear, in order, the precious stones: (Sun) pearl, (Moon) coral, (Mars) emereld, (Mercury) Topaz (Jupiter) diamond, (Venus) Sapphire and (Saturn) Opal. 

(CHANDRA-TĀRĀBALA: STRENGTH OF THE MOON AND PLANETS)

283. Nature of the Moou. One to whom the moon is benefic on the first day of the bright fortnight, to him it will be beneficent throughout that fortnight; on the contrary, in the dark fortnight it would be malefic. 

284. In the bright fortnight, the Moon is benefic on the second, ninth and fifth days. It would be benefic also on the 12th, 9th and 4th days if it is not affected by other planets. 

285. Birth asterisms. Birth, wealth, danger, welfare enemy, benefactor, death, friend and intimate companion have always to be ascertained from the birth asterism. 

286-87a. The birth-asterism and the 3rd, 5th and 7th therefrom do not yield benefits. In order to ward off the evil effects (of these four), one should gift to brahmins (the four objects) vegetables, molasses, salt, and gold with sesame, in that order. 

287b. The asterisms are particularly potent during the dark fortnight and the Moon is similarly potent during the bright fortnight. 

287c-88a. States of the Moon. The Moon has twelve states (avasthas) in the twelve) signs. And, these states will have effects in accordance with their nomenclatures, (given below, in verse 289), with regard to pilgrimage, marriage etc. undertaken at those times. 

288b-c. (In order to calculate the state of the Moon at any time), multiply the number of the current asterism (reckoned from Ashvini) by 60, add the number of nādikas elapsed at the desired time in the current asterism), multiply the result by 4 and divide by 45 (ishu-veda). Divide the quotient by 12 (bhanu). (The result would be the current state of the Moon). 

289. The (twelve avasthas are Pravasa (exile), Nashta (loss), Mruta (death), Jaya (victory), Hasya (laughter), Rati (pleasure), Muda (joy), Supti (sleep), Bhukti (feast), Jvara (fever), Kampa (tremour) and Susthiti (firm establishment). Their effect is in consonace with their nomenclatures. 

(SARVALAGNA: RISING OF THE SIGNS)

290. Rise of Aries (Mesha-lagna). When the sign of Aries is rising (the undermentioned acts) will be successful: Royal coronation, marching of the army, peace, war, making of ornaments, extraction of minerals from mines and wars. 

291. Rise of Taurus (Vrushabha-lagna). When the sign Taurus is rising, will be successful: Auspicious rites, firm actions, digging of wells for water, construction of houses agriculture, trade, raising of cattle, etc. 

292. Rise of Gemini (Mithuna-lagna), When the sign Gemini is rising should be done: Engagement in art and architecture, acceptance of ornaments, invitation, for sacrifice, dealings relating to elephants, marriage and consecration 

293. Rise of Cancer (Karkata-lagna). When the sign Cancer is rising, should be performed: Work relating to the collection and release of water in tanks, wells and lakes, physical nourishment and writing and literary activities. 

294. Rise of Leo (Simha-lagna). When the sign Leo is rising will be successful the following: work relating to the cultivation of sugarcane and grains, trade and adventurous onslaughts by kings, etc. 

295, Rise of Virgo (Kanya-lagna). When the sign Virgo is rising, should be performed acts relating to: Study, architecture, medicine, ornaments, middling matters which are both firm and otherwise, physical nourishment and all auspicious acts. 

296. Rise of Libra (Tula-lagna). When the sign Libra is rising, should be done acts pertaining to agriculture, trade, travel, cattle, marriage, fasts and tulabhara (religious weighing of one self in a balance). 

297. Rise of Scorpio (Vruśhchika-lagna). When the sign Scorpio is rising, should be taken action on all matters which are of a firm, permanent (sthira) nature as also service to the royalty, consecration and burglary. 

298. Rise of Sagittarius (Dhanu-lagna). When the sine sagittarious is rising, should be performed the following: Religious fasts, marriage, travel, matters relating to horses and elephants, arts, and actions relating to matters which are of a miscellaneous and quasi-permanent nature. 

299. Rise of Capricorn (Makara-lagna). When the sign Capricorn is rising should be performed: Stringing of bows and shooting of arrows, cultivation, matters relating to cattle and horses, setting out on a journey, tending of cows, servitude etc. 

300. Rising of Aquarius (Kumbha-lagna). When the sign Aquarius is rising should one engage himself in agriculture, trade rearing of cattle, digging for water, architecture, the fine arts, voyage, practice of missiles and weapons, etc. 

301. Rising of Pisces (Mina-lagna). When the sign Pisces is rising, are auspicious acts relating to religious fasts, marriages, consecration, inauguration of water reservoirs and housing colonies, wearing of ornaments and using of water vessels. 

302. Potency of the rising signs, Success in actions, as stated above, would accrue in respect of the rising of the signs which are clear i.e., vacant (or occupied by beneficent planets). However, if the signs are aspected by malefic planets or occupied by terrible planets, the results will also be terrible. 

303. The Seven signs, viz., Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Pisces, Libra and Sagittarius are beneficent (by nature) since they are occupied by beneficent asterisms; the other signs are evil-natured 

304. (Over and above this), the signs attain their (ultimate) strength from the combination of planets occupying them and by the aspecting of other planets on them. If neither of the above is applicable, the signs will exhibit only their primary nature. 

305. Towards the beginning (of their rise) all the signs will have their full strength, in the middle medium strength and towards the end little strength. 

306. First determine the rising sign (at the desired time) and then the strength of the Moon. If the Moon is strong, the planets in the seventh sign will also be strong. 

307. The strength of the Moon is the base, as the sustainer, and supporter), and that of the other planets is only secondary (contained, supported). It is obvious that the supported is held by the snpporter. 

308. If Moon is benefic, all the other planets will also be benefic and if Moon is malefic, (all the others) would also be rendered malefic, except the Sun. 

309. The planet occupying those degrees of a sign which have risen, gets the strength of the first part of the sign and the one coming after, that of the second part. 

310. The strengths of the planets in the other sections are also to be reckoned in this same manner. By this procedure one can select a rising sign endowed with all qualities. 

311-12a. All men always wish for the minimum of bad effects and the maximum of good effects. Bad effects are inherent in time and even the creator is incapable of eradicating them completely. Hence it is necessary to look for the minimum of bad effects and the maximum of good effects. 

PRATHAMA-ARTAVA (FIRST MENSTRUATION)

312b-13a. Inauspicious days of prathamārtava--Prathamärtava is inauspicious on new moon, the rikta²⁵ lunar days (viz., 4th, 9th aud 14th), 8th, 6th, 12th, 1st, the first half of (the yoga called) Parigha,²⁶ Vyatipata, Vaidhruta, the (three) Sandhyas (of dawn, noon and dusk), invasion by an enemy and the Karana called) Vishti ²⁷ 

25. The fifteen lunar days (tithis) are classified into five, being Nanda: 1, 6, 11; Bhadra: 2, 7, 12, Jaya: 3, 8, 13; Rikta: 4, 9, 14; and Pūrna: 5, 10, 15 each possessing effects according to their nomenclature. See above, vv. 136-37. 

26. Parigha is the 19th of the 27 yogas enumerated and described earlier (see ch. 54, verse 124). 

27. Vishti is one of the Karana divisions of time, each of the duration of half a lunar day, enumerated and described above (ch.56, verses 219b-220a.) 

314. Prathamārtava on the week-days. The result of Prathamārtava occurring on the week-days from Sunday are: (Sunday:) Ill-health;(Monday:) Dear to the spouse; (Tuesday:) Unhappiness, (Wednesday:) Much-daughtered; (Thursday:). Sensuous: (Friday:) Chaste, and Saturday) Having Heavy tresses, 

315. Inauspicious asterisms and months—The following asterism are inauspicious (in prathamārtava): Bharaņi. Kruttika, Ardra, Purvaphalguni, Ashlesha, Vishakha, Jyeshtha Magha and Pūrvāşhadha. The following months, too, are not auspicious: Chaitra (Madhu), Kárttika (Urja), Ashadha (Shuchi) and Pausha. 

316a. One having prathamārtava on the bhadra lunar days, (viz., 2nd, 7th and 12th), the transit of the Sun into a sign, sleep, and the lunar and solar eclipses would be unchaste. 

316b-17. Toward off all evil the effects of prathamārtava on malignant occupation and undesirable asterisms and week-days, the wise should offer oblations of sesame, ghee and durva grass, repeat the gayatri mantra a hundred times and gift away gold, cows and sesame. 

ADHĀNA (CONCEPTION)

318a. For conception, the first four nights (of menstruation) are to be avoided; the further days are permissible. 

318b-19. One who had been endowed with the sacred thread, if he desires for a male issue should resort to a woman when the Moon occupies an odd sign, the then rising sign aspecting a male planet²⁸, the lunar day being even, the asterisms being not one of Revati (Paushna), Mula, Vishakha (Ahi) and Magha (Pitrya); and the sacrificial fire having not been fed by him that day). 

28. The planets are classified as Male: Sun, Mars, and Jupiter; Female: Moon and Venus; and Neuter: Mercury and Saturn. 

PUMSAVANA: RITE FOR THE BIRTH OF A MALE CHILD

320a. Pumsavana.²⁹ When conception has been confirmed, in the first third or second month, the Pumsavana ceremony has to be performed. 

29. Pun-savana (“Male production rite') and Simantonnayana (parting of the hair) are two Vedic rites performed so that the child born is male and the delivery be safe. 

320b-21. Simantonnayana (Parting of the hair). The Simanta ceremony should be performed in the fourth, sixth or eighth month (of pregnancy) when the lord (of the month is strong, ³⁰ (the other conditions being that) the Moon and the asterisms relating to the couple are strong; 

30. The lords of the months of pregnancy are: 1st month: Venus; 2nd, Mars; 3rd Jupiter; 4th, Sun; 5th Moon; 6th Saturn; 7th Mercury; 8th, the lord of the rising sign at the time of conception; 9th Moon; and 10th Sun. Cf., Muhurtachintámani of Rama, 5.9. 

322. The lunar day not being riktā (viz., 4th, 9th, 14th), new moon or full moon; the week-day being Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday, (being the ‘male’ days); the asterism being male, but omitting the tikshna (sharp) one’s (viz. Mula, Ardra, Jyeshtha, and Ashlesha), the mishra (mixed) ones, (viz., Kruttika and Vishakha) and the ugra (violent) ones, (viz., Purvaphalguni, Pūrvāşhadha and Purvabhadrapada, Bharani and Magha); the Moon being in a male asterism;³¹ 

31. The male asterisms are: Asvini, Bharani, Pushya, Ashlesha, Magha, Uttaraphalguni, Svati, Visakha, Jyestha, Mula, Purvaşhadha, Uttarăşhadha, Shravana and Pūrvabhadrapada. 

323. The 8th house (indicating death) from the birth house being clear, the rising signs of the couples being not the eighth being aspected by beneficent planets and not aspected by malefic planets; 

324, Beneficent planets occupying the 3rd (dhi), 9th dharma), and Kendra and malefic planets occupying the three evil houses, the Moon being not in the 12th (antya, loss) or 6th (ari). 

325. If any of the cruel planets which is strong, occupies the 12th, 5th (atmaja) or the 8th place, assuredly it will kill the pregnant lady, whose simanta is being performed or the child in the womb. 

JĀTAKARMA AND NĂMAKARANA (BIRTH RITE AND NAMING CEREMONY)

 326. The birth rite (Jatakarma) of the child should be performed on the muhurta of birth or at the end of the birth pollution and should be preceded by the worship of the manes. 

327. When the birth-pollution has ended, the naming ceremony should be performed according to family practices. The name given shall be ancient, renowned and composed in auspicious syllables. 

328-30a. If due to the exigencies of place, time, invasion etc., there had been delay, the father of the child should perform the above two ceremonies when the planets Jupiter and Venus have not set, in the asterism Pushya, during the northward course of the Sun, in an asterism belonging to the groups chara, sthira, mrudu or kshipra, ³² in an auspicious week-day, the day being endowed with potency in consideration both of the Moon and the asterisms, during the rising of an auspicious sign and in an auspicious division thereof, and when the 8th house (indicating death) is clear. 

32. That is, excluding the three further groups, viz., tikshna ('sharp') ugra (violent') and mishra (mixed'). On the classification of the asterisms into seven groups having qualities indicated by their nomenclature, see above, under verses 177-79. 

ANNAPRAŠHANA (THE FIRST FEEDING)

330b-31a. It is auspicious to perform the First feeding ceremony of male children in the sixth or eighth month, and of female children in the fifth or the seventh month (after birth). 

331b-32a. It is ordained to be performed on an auspicious week-day, on any lunar day except riktā (4th, 9th and 14th), the omitted lunar day,³³ nanda (1st, 6th and 11th) and 12th and 8th. 

33. Dinakshaya (Tithikshaya, 'omitted lunar day', lit. loss of a lunar day) refers to the lunar day which is completely contained within a civil clay (the lunar day being shorter than the civil day) and, so, is left out of count. On this, see above, ch. 54, verse 71 and ch.56 verses 153b-54a and the notes thereon. 

332b-34. The first feeding ceremony would be auspicious in the asterisms of the chara, sthira, mrudu and kshipra classes, the eighth house (indicating death) being vacant, the 10th house also being vacant, during the rise of an auspicious sign and in an auspicious division thereof, in the forenoon, when the rising sign is) occupied or aspected by beneficent planets, when the 3rd, 6th and 11th (lābha) houses are occupied by evil planets while the kendra, 3rd (dhi) and 9th (dharma) are occupied by beneficent planets, and the Moon is in the 12th (vyaya), 6th (ari), or the 8th (nidhana). 

CAULA (TONSURE)

 335. The tonsure of boys should be performed in the third or the fifth year, in accordance with the family practice and as ordained by the Gruhya-sutra which one follows. ³⁴ 

34. The Gruhyasutras are auxiliary texts appertaining to the different Vedas, prescribing the Gruhya 'household' rituals of an orthodox Hindu, like the five daily sacrifices (mahayajñas), the sixteen sacraments (shodashasamskāras) like conception, birth rites, tonsure, upanayana, marriage etc. Each Veda has its own Gruhyasutra, which the followers of the different Vedas adopt in performing their rituals. 

336. The tonsure ceremony should be performed in the northward transit of the Sun, when the Jupiter and Venus have not set, on a lunar day other than the full moon and new moon days and the riktā days (viz., 4th, 9th and 14th), on a Friday, Thursday, Wednesday or Monday. 

337. For the tonsure ceremony, the asterisms Ashvini, Punarvasu, Pusya, Mrugashiras, Jyeshtha, Revati, three from Hasta, (viz., Hasta, Chitra and Svati), three from Shravana, (viz., Shravana, Śhravişhthā and Shatabhishak) are auspicious. 

338. One’s birth asterism is auspicious for coronation, tonsure, first feeding and educational initiation into (Vedic) study and wearing the sacred thread), but not in other ceremonies. 

339. (Tonsure should be performed) when the 8th house is clear, during the rise of an auspicious sign and in an auspicious division thereof; when the Moon does not occupy the 8th house from the birth-house, and avoiding the sixth, eighth and twelfth houses. 

340. When the second (dhana), trikona-s and (1st, 5th and 9th houses) and kendras (1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses) and occupied by beneficent planets and the 3rd, 11th and 6th houses by the other planets. 

340b-41a. (Tonsure should not be performed) after an oil bath, at dawn or dusk, on Tuesdays and Saturdays (ära), at night, after meals, in battle, when one is angry, wearing ornaments, riding in a vehicle or on the ninth lunar day. 

341b-42a. Trimming of the moustaches is recommended for kings regularly every fifth day; it o be done on the asterisms recommended for tonsure (but if the fifth day does not tally with the asterisms it may be done) at the time of rise of such an asterism (inconsiderate of other factors). 

342b-43a. Tonsure is productive of beneficial results if done on the direction of kings and brahmins, on the occasion of sacrifice, death, release from bond, marriage and on (the ordained) week-days, asterisms and lunar days. 

ANKURĀRPANA: AUSPICIOUS SOWING

343b. At the beginning of all auspicious rites, ankurārpana, ‘sowing of the seed’, should be done with a view to gain auspiciousness (for the rite). 

344-45. On the ninth, seventh, fifth, or third lunar day, on an asterism recommended for sowing,³⁵ on an auspicious Weekday, when an auspicious sign is rising, the houses should be well decorated by awnings, banners and arches, and auspicious words of blessing should be caused to be uttered by auspicious ladies (i.e., those who are not widows) 

35. For the asterisms recommended for sowing, see above Verse 186. The asterisms recommended are those of the mrudu, sthira and kshipra groups and Magha, Svati, Dhanistha and Mula. 

346-47. Then (the master of the rite), preceded by the playing of musical instruments, dancing etc., should proceed in the north-easterly direction and collect from there sand and soft mud. Returning to the house, he should fill earthen or bamboo vessels (with the sand and mud brought) and pour over it water into which different seeds and flowers have been put.

MAUNJIBANDHANA AND UPANAYANA: TYING THE MAUNJI BELT AND COMMENCING STUDIES

348. Mauñjibandhana (lit. ‘tying the belt made of maunji grass) ³⁶ is recommended on the eighth year after conception for brahmins, on the eleventh year for kshatriyas and on the twelfth year for vaishyas. 

36. For this a triple cord is plaited out of the maunji or darbha grass and is ceremonially used in three loops round the waist of the boy who is invested with the sacred thread (yajnopavita) and initiated into Vedic study (upanayana).

349. Upanayana could be performed even, at the fifth year, since the boy endowed with the sacred thread done could become well versed in the Vedas and Shastras and be endowed with prosperity. 

350. To the boy, even a week Venus or Jupiter would be beneficent. Upanayana should be performed only at the years ordained therefore and not at other times, 

351. (Upanayana should be performed) when Jupiter, Venus and the lord of the relevant) Veda are visible. The lords of the (four) Vedas are, in order: (Rugveda) Jupiter; (Yajurveda), Venus; (Samaveda:) Mars and (Atharvaveda:) Mercury. 

352. The appropriate seasons for the Upanayana of the three classes of twice-borns are, Autumn (Sharat), Hot season (Grishma) and Spring (Vasanta), taken in the reverse order. In general, the time ordained for them are the five months begining with Magha (Tapas). 

353. (One who wears the sacred thread) in the months of Magha and Phalguna will become well versed in the hereditory practices of his family; if in the month of Chaitra, he would become a knower of ordained duties, wealthy and an expert in the Vedas and Vedangas.³⁷ 

37. The Vedangas are auxiliary texts which instruct in the correct recitation and right understanding of the Vedas and prescribe the exact performance and punctual observation of Vedic ritual. Each Veda has its own auxiliary texts which fall into six categories (shadvedangas dealing respectively with: (1) Shikshä (Phonetics), (2) Vyakarana (Grammar), (3) Nirukta (Etymology), (4) Chandas (Metrics), (5) Jyotisha (Astronomy) and (6) Kalpa (Ritual), divided into three-Gruhya 'household ritual', Shrauta, sacrificial ritual and Shuba construction of altars'. 

354. One who wears the sacred thread in the month of Vaishakha would become wealthy, an expert in the Vedas, Shastras and the sciences, and physically strong; if in the month of Jyeshtha, he would be a knower of ordained rules. 

355. For Upanayana, the most auspicious days are: In the bright fortnight, the 13th, 10th, 7th, 11th, 6th and the 12th, the other days are of middling benefit. In the dark fortnight, the 2nd, 3rd and 5th days are of middling effect and the rest are extremely bad. 

356-57. The asterisms favourable for upanayana are: Hasta, Chitra and Svati arka-traya), Revati, Pushya (Ijya), Ardra (Rudra), Punarvasu (Aditi), Uttaraphalguni, Uttaraşhadha and Uttarabhadrapada, Shravana Dhanishtha, Shatabhishak (Vishnutraya), Ashvini, Anuradha (Mitra) and Rohiņi (Abjayoni). 

358-59a. The tenth asterism from the birth-asterism is called Karma, the sixteenth Sanghata, the eighteenth Samudaya, the twenty-third Vinashana, and the twenty-fifth Manasa. No auspicious rite should be performed in these asterisms. 

359b-60a. The week-days pertaining to Acharya, Saumya and Kavya, (viz., Thursday, Friday and Wednesday) are auspicious, the days pertaining to the Moon and the Sun are middling and the remaining two are detestable for commencing religious studentship (vrata). 

360b-61a, Divide daytime into three. During the first part one should perform acts relating to the gods, during the second part, acts relating to men, and during the third part acts relating to the manes. (Upanayana, which comes under the first category, should therefore be performed only in the first part of the day.) 

361b-62a. If Jupiter, Venus or the lord of one’s Veda or their divisions are in debilitation (nicha), or are situated in enemy asterisms or divisions the student will lose his family status and his character. 

362b-363a, Again, Jupiter, Venus or the lord of one’s Veda ³⁸ occupies an inimical house or its division, the student will be the perpetrator of great sins. 

38. The lords of the Vedas are: Rugveda.: Jupiter, Yajurveda: Venus; Samaveda: Mars, and Atharvaveda: Mercury: Sec above, verse 351.

363b-64. If, however, Jupiter, Venus or the lord of one’s Veda or their divisions are in exultation (uccha) or occupy their own houses or their rashiganas, or the quadrant (kendra) or trine (trikona), the boy will be extremely wealthy and well versed in the Vedas and the Vedangas. 

365. If Jupiter, Venus or the lord of one’s Veda is in high exaltation and the eighth house is clear, the boy will be well versed in the Vedas and Shastras. 

366. If Jupiter, Venus or the lord of one’s Vedas or their divisions are in friendly houses or in their divisions or are in exaltation he will be endowed with knowledge and wealth. 

367. It is rare that in the case of boy all the three, viz., the week-day of the lord of one’s Veda, the strength of the lord of one’s Veda and the rising sign of the lord of one’s Veda occur simultaneously. 

368. Thus, when the Moon is in the division of the lord of the Veda, the student would become learned, but if in the division of an evil sign or in a division of his own sign, he would be poor and constantly distressed. 

369. When the asterisms Shravana or Punarvasu (Aditi) (prevail and the Moon is in a division of Cancer, the student would be endowed with the knowledge of the Vedas and the sciences and with wealth and food grains. 

370-72. All the signs are commendable (if the time for the studentship ceremony is fixed) in an auspicious lagna, in an auspicious division thereof, when the eighth house is clear, the lagna, which is not in the eighth house is occupied or aspected by beneficent planets or by the five planets Jupiter, Sun, Moon, etc., when they are friendly and strong or by four auspicious planets fully endowed with strength of position etc. or aspected by them, and devoid of the twenty-one great blemishes (possible in a day) ³⁹. 

39. These blemishes are listed in the following verse: 

Ulko-rvichalan-oparāga-gulikāḥ sashtha-stam-antyendu-asad

drushtärudhavimuktaräsht-sitadruk-sayahnasandhyádayah /

gandant-oshna-vişham sthiram cha karanam rikta-shtami-vishtayo

lataikärgala-taidhrutahishirasaḥ sarvatra varjya ami || 

Muhūrtapadavi of Mathur Nampūtiri (Ed. l'anchangam Press, Kunnamakulam (Kerala), 1955), Verse 1. 

The days on which these blemishes of day' (nityadosha) occur should be rejected in fixing the date for any auspicious rite and if they cannot be avoided, due expiation prescribed for obviating the evil effect of each of these blemishes has to be duly performed before commencing the auspicious rite.

These 'blemishes of the day' are: The four blemishes on account of portentuous natural phenomena (utpåta), being: (1) Ulka (meteor), (2) Urvichalana (earthquake), (3) Uparāga (eclipse), (4) Gulika; the five blemishes due to the positions of the planets, being (5) Moon in the 6th house, (6) in the 8th house and (7) in the 12th house, (8) Asad-drushtar udhavimukta-rashi (the house which has been aspected, occupied or left by the evil planets viz., Sun, Mars, Saturn and Rahu, (9) Aspecting by Venus (Sitadruk); one blemish due to the time of the day, being (10) Sayahnasandhya (dusk); three blemishes due to asterisms, bring (11) Gandanta, (12) Ushna(shikha), (13) Visha; four blemishes of lunar days (tithi), being (14) Sthirakarana, (15) Rikta, (16) Ashtami and (17) Vishti-(karana); and four blemishes due to the positions of the Sun and the Moon, being (18) Lata, (19) Ekärgala, and (20) Vaidhruta, and (21) Ahishiras. 

373. However, only the auspicious divisions of the nine-fold division (navamsha) of the said signs are to be selected. But the division of Cancer should never be selected even if it is aspected by a beneficent planet. 

374. The divisions of Vrushabha and Mithuna, and Libra and Virgo are also auspicious. Studentship ceremony is to be performed only in a navamsha selected in the above manner. 

375-76. If evil planets occupy the 3rd, 6th and 11th (aya) houses, beneficent planets are not to be found in the 6th, 8th and 12th houses, and if the Moon does not occupy the 6th, 8th or the 12th house from the lagna, the boy who takes the vow of studentship will be pennyless and always consumptive even if the Moon is in exaltation in its own house. 

377. If the Sun is exalted in the quadrants, the student’s parents will die. A lagna which does not have any of the above five faults is productive of auspicious results in upanayana. 

378. The studentship ceremony should not be performed other than in spring, nor in the galagraha days, the days of non- study, ⁴⁰ the 6th nor in (the karana called) Vishti⁴¹. 

40. The anadhyaya or non-study days are: 1st, 8th, 14th and 15th days of the dark and bright fortnights; 2nd day of Jyestha, 10th of Asadha, 4th and 12th of Magha, all in the bright fortnight; and the days of sankranti, when the Sun transits from one sign to another.

41. Vishti is one of the half-tithi durations of astrological importance into which the lunar month is divided, on which see above, ch. 54, vv. 126-27 and the notes thereon. 

379. The eight galagraha (lit. ‘gripping the throat’) days. viz., the four days from the 13th, the three days from the 7th and the 4th of the dark fortnight) are declared to be inauspicious. 

KȘHURIKĀBANDHANA- (GIRDING THE SWORD)

380a. Now, shall I set out kshurikabandhana ‘the girding of the sword’, a ceremony (ordained) for kshatriyas, before their marriage. 

380b-83. The Kshurikabandhana ceremony should be performed after worshipping the gods and the manes, in the month recommended for marriage, in the bright fortnight, when Jupiter, Venus and Mars have not set, on days prescribed for Mauñjibandhana (‘tying the belt of maunji grass’), ⁴² on a week-day other than Tuesday, a day endowed with the strength of the Moon and the asterisms, in a navamshaka except the 8th, of the performer, the 8th house being clear, the Moon being in the lagna leaving out the 6th, 8th and 12th houses, and with beneficent planets occupying the 2nd (dhana) house, the trines (trikona) and the quadrants (kendra), while the others occupy the 3rd, 11th (aya) and 6th (ari) houses. 

42. On Maunji-bandhana, an auxiliary ceremony of Upanayana, see above, vv, 348 ff. 

384. First the sword should be duly worshipped, placing it in front of the deities. Later, in an auspicious lagna, the sword endowed with proper form and proportions should be tied to the performer’s waist. 

385-386. Prognostication by Aya. Divide half the length of the sword by the breadth of the blade. The remainders are called ayo.⁴³ (Remainder 1, called) Dhvaja-aya, foretells destruction of foes; (Rem. 2) Dhanur-aya foretells death; (Rem. 3) Simha, Victory; (Rem. 4) Shvāna, ill health; (Rein. 5) Vrusha, gain of wealth; (Rem. 6), Gardabha, sorrow; 

43. Prognostication by aya is more commonly made in the case of buildings where the length of the bulding is multiplied by its breadth and the product divided by 8, and the remainders are called aya, on the basis of which future is foretold. Thus, Remainder 1. called Dhvaja foretells, for the master of the house, fame; 2. called Dhuma, sorrow; 3. Simha, victory, 4. Shvă, enmity, 5. Vrusha, wealth; 6. Gardabha, penury; 7. Gaja, happiness, and 8. Dhvanksha, illness. 

387a. (If the Rem. is 7, it is) Gaja-aya when there would be great happiness, and (if the Rem. is 8) it is Dhvānksha (Kaka) when there would be loss of wealth. 

387b-89. Prognostication through scars. Multiply the length of the sword, measured in one’s own angulis (two-finger breadths) by the length of the dagger (khadgaputrika) and divide by 11. (If a scar or flaw occurs in the sword at distances from the handles indicated by) the several remainders, the effect would be, in order: (1) birth of a son, (2) death of the enemy, (3) acquisition of a wife, (4) travel, (5) auspiciousness, (6) loss of wealth, (7) gain of wealth, (8) satisfaction, (9) attainment (of desires), (10) victory and (11) praise. 

390-91a. A scar in the first part (of the angula is inauspicious in the Dhvaja and Vrusha ayas. It is inauspicious if it occurs in the middle of the Simha and Gaja-ayas prevail. It is so towards the end, if the Shvana and Kaka ayas prevail. In the Dhūmra and Gardabha ayas, a scar will not bring prosperity if it is at the very end (of the angula). 

SAMĀVARTANA- (RETURN FROM STUDIES)

391b-94a. The ‘tonsure after return’(Samavartana-mundana)⁴⁴ should be performed on the twice-borns when they return from their teachers’ homes after exerting themselves in their studies). (The ceremony is to be conducted) during the north-ward course of the Sun; when Jupiter and Venus are visible; in the asterisms Chitra, Uttaraphalguni, Uttarashadha, Uttarabhadrapada, Pushya (Ijya), Revati (Antya), Shravana (Hari), Anuradha (Mitra) and Rohiņi (Vidhata); on the week-days of Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus, and in their auspicious) lagnas and divisions thereof and leaving out the 1st pratipat), 4th, 9th and 14th (rikta)⁴⁵, new moon 8th and the ‘omitted day’ (dinakshaya) ⁴⁶ 

44. Samavartana means literally 'return', here, return of the Vedic student to his own house from his teacher's house after successfully completing his studies. At the ceremony conducted on the occasion, the grass-belt (maunji) that he would be wearing throughout his studentship is removed and he is given a ritual tonsure (mundana), called generally, go-dana (go-hair, dana-cutting), and, thus, prepared for his entering the next stage of life, namely, that of the householder: 

45. For the rikta days, see above under verses 126-37a and the notes thereon. 

46. On dinakshaya (‘omitted day'), see above vv. 1536-54a and ch. 64, verse 71, and the notes thereon. 

VIVĀHAPRAŚHNA: (SOLICITATION FOR MARRIAGE)

394b-95a. Ascertainment of auspicious time: O great brahmin! Of all the stages of life, that of the householder is the most exalted. There, too, happiness depends on the wife being of good character. 

395b-96a. Her acquiring commendable character depends upon the beneficent lagna (at the time of wedlock). Hence I shall set out below the ascertainment of the purity of the lagna, taking into cognizance what has been stated on the subject by Brahma. 

396b-97. On an auspicious day, (the enquirer) taking with him betel leaves, fruits, flowers etc., should approach, with folded hands, a well-qualified astrologer, who is comfortably seated and is having a clear mind (at the moment), and consult him, with attention, as if to a deity. (He should then convey to the astrologer the birth-sign, birth-asterism etc. of the proposed couple.)⁴⁷ 

47. This half verse which is needed in the context, but which is not to be found in the Venkateshwara Press edn. of the Purana, has been restored from the corresponding section of the Nāradiya-Samhita, 27. 4. 

398. If (at the time of the enquiry), the planet in the lagna is cruel and there is Mars in the seventh (house therefrom), the death of the couple should be predicted within eight years. 

399. If the Moon occupies the lagna and Mars is in the seventh house, the wise should anticipate the death of the husband within eight years. 

400. If there be a malefic planet in the fifth house from the lagna, who is aspected by an enemy planet and is in debilitation, the girl will, without doubt, have her son still-born or will turn unchaste. 

401. The Moon, occupying the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 11th (aya) or 10th (karma) house from the lagna, if aspected by Jupiter, will bring about the union of the (proposed) couple. 

402. If the sections in the lagna relating to Libra, Taurus and Cancer are occupied or aspected by Venus or Moon, then the people who solicit for the bride will get her. 

403. If the drekkāņa or navamsha is female⁴⁸ and the lagna even and aspected by the Moon or Venus, then also the bride who is solicited for will be obtained. 

48. The odd numbers are considered males and the even numbers female. 

404. In the same manner, the bride will secure the solicited bridegroom if the Lagna or navamshaka of the solicitor (i.e., at the time of the enquiry) is male or is aspected by male planets.⁴⁹ 

49. Of the seven planets, Sun, Mars and Jupiter are males, Moon and Venus are females, and Mercury and Saturn eunuchs. 

405. If the query is made in the dark fortnight, when the Moon occupies an even sign from the lagna or is aspected by an evil planet or is in the 8th house (randhra), the marriage (solicited) will not take place. 

406. If, at the time of enquiry, auspicious indications and omens are seen, they tend to the welfare of the couple, and if these be inauspicious, they tend to undesirable consequences. 

407-409a, Kanyācharana, solicitation for the bride. On a day which is pure in respect of the five constituents (of the almanac) ⁵⁰, endowed with the strength of the Moon and the asterisms, at the rise of the marital asterism, the solicitation for the bride (Kanyā-varana) should be made with the utterance of the pranava (syllable Om) by the bridegroom, through his elders, at the bride’s house, to which place he should go with flowers, betel leaves, fruits, fragrant unguents and sanctified grain (akshata) and white garments, (the procession being) accompanied by music, musical instruments and words of benediction, warding off obstacles, 

50. The five constituents' (pancha-anga) of a day, on the basis of which the nature of the day is determined in Indian astrology, are nakshatra (asterism), tithi (lunar day in the bright or dark fortnight) vara (week-day), Yoga and karana. Since Indian almanacs mention these five constituents for every day of the year, these almanacs are, by extension, called Panchangas. 

409b. The bride’s father should, then, offer him the bride with pleasure. 

410. To the bridegroom endowed with family status, character, youth, handsomeness, wealth and learning, should be offered the bride, beautiful and young. 

411-13. The bride should then worship Goddess Shachi, who is the source of all good qualities, the most beautiful in the three worlds, is adorned with divinely fragrant unguents, garlands and garments, is endowed with all auspicious marks, wears all ornaments and illuminates all the directions by means of her superior gemset chains, is attended day and night, by thousands of beauteous maids, and pray to the Goddess thus: 

414. “O Goddess Indrani, the dear consort of God Indra! bestow on me, at my marriage, fortune, health and male offspring.” 

MARRIAGE

415. It is desirable to conduct the marriage of girls in the even years of their birth, and that of boys in the odd years (of their birth). Otherwise, it would be destructive of both. 

416. The months of Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha are auspicious; Kårttika and Margashirsha are middling; the rest are censurable. 

417. Never should marriage, installation of deities and upanayana be performed in ten asterisms from the time that the Sun enters the asterism Ardrå. 

418. Marriage should not be performed when Jupiter or Venus have set or when they are in the stages of childhood and old age (i.e., just after they have risen or when they are about to set). Neither when Jupiter is in the sign Leo or in a Leo-part (in any other sign). 

419. For thirteen days after its rise in the west or in the east⁵¹ Venus would be in the ‘child’s stage and for five days before setting, in the stage of ‘old age’. In the case of Jupiter both stages would be of 15 days duration. 

51. It may be noted that Venus rises in the west after its invisibility in its right motion (krama-maudhya) and in the east after its invisibility in its retrograde motion (vakra-maudhya). It may also be noted that since Jupiter moves outside the orbit of the Earth, it becomes invisible only in its right motion, and not in its retrograde motion. 

420. So long as God Vishnu (Hrushikeśha) is asleep, it is not auspicious. There is nothing more auspicious than the festival day of Vishnu (Vasudeva). 

421. The marriage of the firstborn, whether boy or girl, should not be conducted in the month of their birth, nor in the asterisms of their birth, nor in the week-day of their birth. 

422. In the month of Jyeshtha the marriage of both the Jyeşhthaputri and Jyeșhthaputra (eldest daughter and the eldest son) should not be performed. It is best to have one Jyeshtha’ at a time, not otherwise.⁵² 

52. The idea is this: The grouping of the Jyeshtha month, Jyeshtha daughter and Jyeshtha son (jyeșhtha-trayam), is not auspicious in marriage. To marry off a Jyeshtha daughter or a Jyeshtha son in the Jyeshtha month, in which case a group of two jyeshthas is formed, is middling. What is auspicious is to have only one jyeshtha at a time. In other words, it would be auspicious to marry off the eldest daughter and an eldest son separately and in months other than Jyeshtha. 

423. A marriage should not be performed for a week after a natural visitation (utpåta) (like the appearance of a comet, earthquake etc.) nor a complete eclipse. If the eclipse is partial (the prohibition is) for three days. (Similarly, prohibited are the intercalary lunar day) which touches three civil days (tridyuspruk) and the expunged lunar day.⁵³ 

53. On these days, see above verses 153b-54a and the notes thereon. 

424. (In the case of planetary obscuration), three days after their setting and three days before their rise should be eschewed. So far as their dusks are concerned, three days before setting and seven days before rising should be eschewed. (?) 

425. Five days towards the close of the (lunar) month should be eschewed. So also, the 8th and the riktà days, (viz., 4th, 9th and 14th). The yogas Vyatipata and Vaidhruti, in their entirety, and half of Parigha are also to be eschewed. ⁵⁴ 

54. On Vyatipata and Vaidhruti and Parigha, being the 17th, 19th and 23rd of the 27 yogas, see above, ch. 54 verse 124. 

426. Marriage is recommended in the following asterisms: Revati (Paushna), Uttaraphalguni, Uttaraşhadha and Uttarbhadrapada (tryuttara), Anuradha (Maitra), Svati (Marut). Mrugashirsha (Chandra) Hasta (Arka), Magha (Pitrya) and Mula, when these are not in vedha, i.e., not mutually afflicted. ^54a 

54a. Vedha (lit. 'piercing", viddha 'pierced') refers to the mutual affliction between pairs of asterisms that happen to be at the ends of the lines in the Pancha-shalaka-chakra (five-spike-diagram) and Sapta-shalaka -chakra (‘seven spike-diagram') which might be represented as follows: - 

          Pancha-shalaka-vedha-chakra         sapta-Shalaka-vedha Chakra

In the first diagram, asterisms such as Ashvini and Pūrväshådha and Bharani and Anuradha, and in the second diagram Bharani and Magha, and Kruttika, and Shravana are mutually afflicted. The former 'affliction is to be considered for the entrance of the bride into the groom's house, offer and acceptance of the bride and marriage, and the latter for other allied rituals. 

427. If, in a marriage, the potencies of Jupiter and the Sun⁵⁵ are required for the couple, effort should be made 10 worship those two weak planets. 

55. The planets, on account of certain positions in the heavens, and the 'houses' (bhavas) on account of their being occupied or aspected by certain planets acquire certain sources of strength and weakness, called graha-bala ‘planetary potency' and bhava-bala, 'potency of the house'. 

428. The strengths of gochara ⁵⁶, vedha⁵⁷ and ashtavarga⁵⁸ reckoned in rūpa⁵⁹ are higher in the ascending order. The strength gochara is of a general nature (compared to the others). 

56. Gochara See above, under vv. 271-82. for prediction based on Gochara see Ch. 34, "Gochara or Results of transits' in B. V. Raman, Hindu Predictive Astrology, Bangalore, 7th edn., 1054. 

57. Vedha, see above, verse 426. 

58. Ashtavarga or Ashtakavarga refers to the eight sources of energy which each of the seven planets and the ascendent (lagna) as the eighth attain as a result of its own transit from räshi to rashi and its being aspected by the other seven. For details see Ch. 18. The Ashtakavarga system: Strength for transiting planets, in B. V. Raman, Hindu Predictive Astrology, (Bangalore, 7th edn., 1959). 

59. Rupa forms the unit of measuring the potency of planets and houses. 

429-30a. The potencies of the Moon and the asterisms should be considered and then the strength of the five constituents of the panchanga. (Of the latter, if) the strength of the tithi is one, that of the weekday is two-fold, that of the asterism is three-fold, that of yoga is fourfold and that of karana (tithyardha) is fivefold. 

430b-31. The (prognostication as reckoned in the) muhurta is more strong and lagna is still stronger, Hora⁶⁰ is stronger and Drekkāna⁶¹ is still more so. Navamsha⁶² is more strong and Dvadašhāmsha⁶³ stronger than that. 

60. Ry Hora is meant the strength of the 'planetary hour'. Each hour of a week-day is governed by a different planet in a certain order, the first hour being governed by the lord of the day. On "Planetary hours' and a table thereof, see B. V. Raman, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, Bangalore, 2nd edn, 1954, pp. 215-16. 

61. Drekkana (decanate)). The zodiac of 360° is divided into 36 drekkanas, each extending the 10°. Thus, each sign will contain three drekkānas. On this see Ch. 36. Drekkānas and stellar influences', in B. V. Raman, Hindu Predictive Astrology. Bangalore, 7th edn. 1959. 

62. Navāṁsha is the division of the sign (30⁰) into 9 parts, each extending to 31/3°. This corresponds to one-fourth of an asterism (13 1/2⁰). Thus, the total number of navāmshas in the zodiac or 27 asterisms, would be 108. 

63. When a sign (30°) is divided into 12 parts, each part is called a dvadashamsha s (2 1/2°). 

432. Trimshamsha⁶⁴ is stronger than the previous. The combined strength of the above has to be duly considered. All the signs which are beneficently aspected are commended in fixing a marriage. 

64. Trimshamsha is the division of the sign when it is divided by thirty, each division being 1⁰. 

433-34a. The signs occupied by the five planets Moon, Sun, Jupiter, (Mercury and Venus) are acceptable. That is an auspicious lagna where all the four (Moon, Mercury, Jupiter and Venus) are in strength and which is devoid of the blemish of Jāmitra⁶⁵ or the twenty-one great faults (mentioned below). 

65. The Jamstra-dosha occurs when the seventh house from lagna or the Moon is occupied by any planet. For marriage the house should be vacant. 

434b-35a. Twenty-one Major blemishes (Ekavimshatimahädosha). O Narada! Listen now, to the names and effects of the twenty-one ‘Major blemishes’, being set out below. 

435b-36. (i). Panchangashuddhi-rāhitya is declared as the first blemish. (ii) The second is Udayāstashuddhi-hina-Şūryasankrama, (iii) The third is Papaşhadvarga. (Then follow): (iv) Bhrugu-shashtha (v) Kujāshtama; 

437-39a. (vi) Gandānta; (vii) Kartari, (viii-ix) Rippha-şhadashtendu, (x) Sagraha, (xi-xii) Ashtama-lagna and Ashtamarāshi of the couple, (xiii) Vishaghati, (xiv) Muhartadosha (Durmuhurta), (xv) Väradosha, (xvi) Ekārgala (Kharjūrika-samānghribha), (xvii) Grahaņotpåtabha, (xviii) Krūraviddharksha, (xix) Krūrasamyutarksha (xx) Kunavāmsha, and (xxi) Mahapata-Vaidhruti.⁶⁶ 

66. For an account of these blemishes, see B. V. Raman, Muhurta or Electional Astrology, (Bangalore, 2nd Edn, 1954) Ch, 5 'Special adverse Togas and their neutralisation'. 

439b-440 (i). Nonpurity of Panchanga. Panchanga is constituted by Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. The purity of the five items) constitutes the purity of panchanga. When there is a blemish in the panchanga, mere merit in lagna would not bring the desired result. 

441a. Discard Pañcheshika (‘Five arrows’, ishika-bāna) ⁶⁷ as if it is milk mixed with poison. 

67. The reference is to the Panchaka, being five sources of energy pertaining to a particular moment, known as Agni, Roga, Chora, Mrutyu and Raja. The numbers of the tithi, vāra, nakshatra and lagna prevailing at the moment under consideration are added up and divided by 9. If the remainder is 1, it is Mrutyu-Panchaka, indicative of danger; if 2. Agni, indicative of risk of fire; if 4. Raja, bad results; if 6. Chora, evil happenings; and if 8. disease. Remainders 0, 3, 5 and 7 are nishpañchakas, free from the blemish of Panchaka, and so such moments are auspicious. 

441b-42. If (at the selected moment, muhurta) the lagna and lagnāṁshaka are not aspected by or are together with their respective lords or by their mutual lords or auspicious friends, such a muhurta should be rejected). If the lagna be the 7th or the 7th section, the bridegroom will meet with death. 

443a. If they (the lagna and the lagnamshaka) are not aspected or are together, as indicated above, the death of the bride will result at the time of the marriage. 

443b-44a. (ii). Sankrama. In marriage etc. sixteen nādikas each have to be eschewed before and after the transit of the Sun into a sign. 

444b. (iii). Papa-Şadvarga.⁶⁸ In fixing a marriage etc. the auspicious (findings as read off from) Sadvarga are greatly commended (and, so, the inauspicious times as reckoned by the sadvarga reckonings should be avoided. 

68. The Şhadvarga is a group of six independent divisions of the zodiac and the day, each being used differently to read the future. The six vargas are: Rashi, Hord, Drekkana, Navamsha, Dvadashamsha and Trimshamsha, the second being a division of the day and the others of the Zodiac, prognostications being made in a different way for each. (For details, see B. V. Raman, Hindu Predictive Astrology, op. cit., pp. 92-97). 

445. (iv). Venus in the sixth house. The blemish of Bhrugu. shashtha occurs when Venus occupies the sixth house. Even if Venus is in exaltation and occupies the lagna with an auspicious planet, such a lagna should always be rejected. 

446. (v). Mars in the eighth house. The great blemish Kujashtama will occur when Mars occupies the eighth house from the lagna. Reject the lagna even if it is occupied by three benefic planets if there is alongside Mars in exaltation. 

447. (vi). Gandanta. Gandanta (relating to tithi or lunar days) occurs for two nādikas each at the junctures of the (three) Purana tithis with the (three) Nanda tithis, (i.e., between the 5th and the 6th, 10th and 11th, and 15th and 1st).⁶⁹ This time is deadly in the matter of birth, travel, marriage etc. 

69. On the classification of the lunar days into Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta and Pürna, see above, under verse 136. 

448. Gandanta (relating to lagna) occurs for half a nādika each at the junctures of Cancer and Leo, Scorpio and Sagittarius and Pisces and Aries; this time is deadly. 

449. Gandanta relating to asterisms occurs at the junctures of the ending sixteen nädikas of the three asterisms Ashlesha (Sarpa), Indra (Jyeshtha) and Revati (Paushna) with the first quarters of the respective succeeding asterisms (viz., Magha, Mula and Ashvini). 

450a. The said three tapes of junctures form three different types of Gandāntas, which are all highly harmful. 

450b-51a. (vii). Kartari. The crossing, (in their motion), of two evil planets, one in regular motion and the other in retrograde motion, while facing the lagna, is known as Kartari; it will cut the throats of couple (like a pair of scissors). 

451b-52a. Discard the lagna which is tainted by the blemish of Kartari even if it be occupied by auspicious planets endowed with all good qualities. 

452b. (viii-ix). Ripphashadashtendu. When Moon occupies the 6th, 8th and 12th (Rippha) houses, the blemish of that name is caused. 

453-54a. Discard, even with effort, the abovesaid lagna, even if it be occupied by Jupiter and Venus. For a lagna with in an enemy house even if occupied by friendly planets, either in exaltation or debilitation, and even if invested with all qualities, is deathly to couples 

454b-55a. (x) Sagraha. When the Moon is in conjunction with some other planets, the ‘blemish’ by name Sagraha occurs. Do not perform marriages (at a muhurta) when the said blemish prevails. 

455b-57. When Sun is in conjunction with the Moon, to be sure, poverty will result; with Mars, disease; with Mercury, childlessness; with Jupiter, misfortune; with Venus, having a co- wife; with Saturn, turning a recluse; with Rahu, destruction of family base; and if the Moon is in conjunction with Ketu continued suffering and poverty will result. 

458-59a. If the Moon is in conjunction with evil planets the death of the couple will result. However, if the Moon, in exaltation, is in conjunction with beneficent planets in friendly signs, the lagna does not turn evil but always tends to their welfare. 

459b-60a. On the other hand, Moon, in exaltation or in its asterism or in a friendly house, if it is in conjunction with an evil planet will cause their death. 

460b-61a. (xi-xii). Ashtama-lagna and Ashtama räshi. The eighth lagna or the eighth sign (of birth) of the couple, if it occupies the lagna (of the time of the marriage) that too would cause the death of the couple. 

461b-62a. Even if the said sign or the lagna is occupied by a benevolent planet, discard that lagna, and its divisions and also other houses governed by the lords (of the eighth houses of the couple). 

462b-63a. The twelfth lagna or sign (of birth of the couple, occupying the lagna (of the marriage) will result in their loss of wealth. Hence discard the lord of that division of the lagna. 

463b-64a. The rise of the birth sign and the rise of the birth lagna are auspicious. If the lagna (of the muhurta) is in the upachaya-s⁷⁰ of the above two, it is extremely auspicious 

70. Upachaya is a term for the 3rd, 6th, 10th and 11th signs from the lagna. 

464b-68. (xiii). Vishaghati. Four ghatikas each in continuation of the undermentioned ghatikas, respectively, in the twenty-seven asterisms are called Vishaghatikās. They should be eschewed in fixing times of marriages etc., even if endowed with other qualities. They are, in order from the asterism Ashvini: (1. Ashvini): 50, (2. Bharani): 24; (3. Kruttika): 30; (4. Rohiņi): 40; (5. Mrugashiras): 13; (6. Ardra): 21; (7. Punarvasu): 30; (8. Pushya); 20; 9. Ashlesha); 32; (10. Magha): 30; (11. Purvaphalguni): 20; (12 Uttaraphalguni): 18; (13. Hasta): 20; (14. Chitra 20; (15. Svati); 14; (16. Vishakha): 14; (17. Anuradha): 10; (18. Jyeshtha): 14; (19. Mula): 56; (20. Pūrvāşhadha); 24; (21. Uttaraşhadha): 20;(22. Shravana): 10; (23. Śhravişhthā): 10; (24. Shatabhishak): 18; (25. Purvabhadrapada); 16; (26. Uttarabhadrapada): 24; (27. Revati): 30. 

469 (xiv). Muhurtadosha. Such muhurtas in the week-day from Sunday, as are censured (for other auspicious rites) are to be censured also for marriage etc., even if invested with good qualities.⁷¹ 

71. The muhurta referred to here is the time-measure of 2 nädikas (48 minutes.). The muhurtas to be rejected in the seven week-days are: On Sunday, the 14th; Monday 8th and 12th; Tuesday, 4th and 11th; Wednesday (the muhurta called Abhijit); Thursday, 12th and 13th; Friday, 4th and 8th and Saturday, 1st and 2nd, as reckoned from sunrise on the several days. 

470 (xv). Väradoșha. Such days of the week for which blemishes have been indicated, in order, beginning with Sunday, are to be eschewed also for (marriage, which is) the most auspicious rite, even if the days are endowed with all qualifications.⁷² 

72. Tuesdays and Saturdays are to be invariably avoided for marriages. 

471. (xvi). Ekärgala. Discard a lagna which encompasses even a fourth part of (an asterism having) the blemish of Ekärgala, as if it is milk mixed with poison, even if (the lagna is) occupied by Venus and Bruhaspati.⁷³ 

73. On Ekārgala see above, under verses 214b-218a. 

472. (xvii). Grahanolpātabha. (In an auspicious rite, like marriage), the asterism in which an eclipse or an Utpåta (like the fall of a meteor or occurrence of an earthquake) occurs should be discarded for three succeeding seasons (i.e., six months), thereafter as charred firewood, except when they are occupied by the moon and left (bhuktvā muktam bham). 

473. (xviii-xix). Krūraviddharksha and Krūrasamyuta. In auspicious rites (like marriage) discard all asterisms which are afflicted (viddha)⁷⁴ or in conjunction with violent planets, as pañchagavya⁷⁵ to which a drop of wine has been added. 

74. On Vedha 'Affliction' add viddha 'afflicted', in relation to asterism, see above, note under verse 426. 

75. Panchagavya (a mixture of five products of the cow, being milk, curd, ghee, urine and dung), is used as a holy liquid for the religious bathing of idols during worship. 

474. If the asterism in question had been afflicted only by its fourth part and that, too, by benefic planets, the whole asterism is not rendered inauspicious. However, if the affliction or being in conjunction is by cruel planets, the whole asterism has to be discarded. 

475-77a. (xx). Kunavāmshaka. The navāmshas Libra, Gemini and Virgo and the Second half of Sagittarius are auspicious except the ending in each. The ending will also be auspicious if they are of the vargottama category.⁷⁶ The other navamshakas are not to be selected since they are Kunavamshakas (‘Evil navamshakas’). A lagna in which there is a Kunavāmshaka is to be rejected even if endowed with all other qualifications. 

76. Vargottama-navamshakas. Of the navamshakas, the first navamshaka in a sthira-räshi, the fifth in a chara-räshi and the ninth in a dvisvabhāva-ráshi are especially benefic and so are called vargottama-navamshakas. On navamshaka, see above note under verse 430 and on the division of the rashis as sthira etc., see above under verse 430b. 

477b-78a. (xxi). Mahapata Vaidhruti,⁷⁷ The day on which the mahapata Vaidhruti occurs should be eschewed in auspicious rites (like marriage), even if endowed with all qualities, for it would cause the death of the couple. 

77. On Vaidhruti, see above, under ch. 64, verses 174 ff. 

478b-79. Minor blemishes (Svalpadosa). Minor blemishes, not mentioned (above) also exist, like for instance, lightning and hailstorm; mock-sun, halo round the Sun and the Moon, rainbow, and thunder of clouds: Latta; minor tremours etc., lunar days called ‘burnt month’ (dagdhamāsa). 

479. Dagdha-lagna (burnt lagna), and the lagnas with the appellation ‘blind’, ‘deaf’ and ‘lame’. Now, the explanation of these is given below. 

480. Lightning and hailstorm. Lightning and hailstorm, which occur at unexpected times, will indeed, be injurious to auspicious rites, though, in course of time, they will become noninjurious. 

481. There is, however, no doubt that anyone of Jupiter, Venus or Mercury will obviate the effect of these groups of blemishes if it is in a quadrant (kendra) ⁷⁸. 

78. The kendra (quadrant) positions in a 12-member chart are the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th. 

482-84a. Vedha (Piercing Affliction). (Draw a diagram with) five vertical lines, five across, and two each diagonally. Mark the asterism Kruttika (Agnidhisnya) at the end of the second diagonal in the north-east and the other asterisms, including Abhijit (in order, in a clockwise direction). The mutually ‘pierced’ asterisms are those at the ends of the lines.⁷⁹ 

79. For the diagram, see above, under verse 426. 

484b-85a. Lattă. The Sun and other planets affect, for a day, an asterism, ahead of or behind it, (alternately). Thus, the Sun affects the 12th asterism (ahead of it); Moon, the 22nd (behind it); Mars, the 3rd (ahead of it); Mercury, the 7th (behind it); Jupiter, the 6th (ahead of it); Venus, the 5th (behind it); Saturn the 8th (ahead of it); and Rahu, the 9th behind it. (These days are to be scrupulously avoided in fixing muhurtas.) 

485b-86a. Patabha (Malignant asterism). Count from Hasta (Suryabha) the asterism Ashlesha (Sarpa), Magha (Pitrya), Revati (Antya), Chitra (Tväshtra), Anuradha (Mitra) and Shravana (Vishnubha) and count off those numbers from Ashvini. The asterisms got would be malignant asterisms (pätabha) (?) 

436b. In Saurashtra and the Salva country the blemish of Lattă is not taken note of. 

487. Pätita (Minor tremour) is not considered auspicious in Kalinga (Orissa) and Vanga (Bengal) countries. In Bālhika, Kuru country and certain other regions, however, it is not a blemish at all. 

483. Dagdha-tithi and Dagdha-lagna. The ‘burnt’ lunar days and the ‘burnt’ lagnas are eschewed in Madhyadeśha (Madhya Pradesh) but not considered inauspicious in other areas. 

489. The ‘lame’, ‘blind’ and ‘deaf’ lagnas⁸⁰ and the signs which do not contain the ending of a lunar month are rejected in the Gauda and Málava regions, but not censured in other areas. 

80. ‘Lame': Kumbha (Aquarius) during day time and Mina (Pisces) during night. 

‘Blind’: Simha (Leo), Aja (Aries) and Vrusha (Taurus) during daytime and Kanya (Virgo), Mithuna (Gemini) and Karkata (Cancer) during night. 'Deaf’: Tula (Libra) and Vrushchika (Scorpio) during day and Makara (Capricorn) and Dhanus (Sagittarius) during night. 

490. Every moment is infested with some blemish or other, and it would be impossible even for the creator to wipe off the blemishes completely. Hence one should opt for the maximum of auspiciousness and the minimum of blemishes. 

491a. Marriage altar. In an auspicious lagna, (decided upon) in consideration of the above, should be arranged the mutual viewing of one another by the couple. 

491b-95. The couple should then be made to ascend an auspicious ahar on which holy fire is kept-an altar which is one cubit high, a square of four cubits on all sides; supported by four polished pillars; slightly slanting to the left; with a pavilion around, beautified by steps on the four sides; elongated on the east and the north; beautified by the planting of plantain trunks; ornamented by (replicas of) swans and parrots, painted pots, and shoots placed on the arches; decked with heaps of love-inciting flowers and colours; sanctified by the benedictions of brahmanas and pleasing with auspicious and divinely beautiful ladies; and making the heart merry with musical instruments, dance and songs. 

496. Mutual horoscopical agreement of the couple⁸¹. Eight are the mutual compatabilities which conduce to sons and grandsons: (i) Rashi, (ii) Stridura, (iii) Gana, (iv) Rašhišha, (v) Yoni (vi) Varna, (vii) Rajju and (viii) Vaśhya. 

81. These are called kūta-s. 

497-98a. Agreement of Rashi. Different asterism for the couple in the same Rashi is excellent. Middling is to have different rašhis, but the same asterism. The marriage of a couple born in the same asterism in the same rashi results in death. 

498b-99a. Stridura. A distance within the first nine asterisms for the male horoscope from the asterism of the female is highly inauspicious, the second nine is middling and the third nine is excellent. 

499b-500a. Agreement in Gana⁸². The asterisms in the human group (martya-gaña) are: The three parvas and uttaras, (viz., Purvaphalguni, Pūrváşhadha, Purvabhadrapada, Uttaraphalgunī, Uttarăşhadha and Uttarabhadrapada), Rohiņi (Dhätri), Bharaņi (Yamya), Ardra (Mahesha). 

82. The 27 asterisms are divided into three ganas (groups), called respectively, Daiva (divine), Manusha (human) and Rakshasa (demoniac), the persons born on the different asterisms possessing the innate qualities expressed by these terms. The agreement in gana indicates compatability in temperament between the couple. 

500. Those of the divine group are: Shravana (Hari), Vasu (Aditya), Hasta (Arka), Svati (Vayu), Revati (Antya), Anuradha (Mitra), Ashvini, Pushya (Ijya) and Mrugashirsha (Indu). 

501. Asterisms of the demonic gana (Raksho-gana) are: Magha (Pitru), Chitra (Tväshtra), Vishakha (Dvidaivatya), Kruttika (Agni), Jyeșhthå (Indra), Dhanistha (Vasu) Shatabhișhak (Värišha), Mūla, and Āśleşhā (Ahi). 

502. If the birth-asterism of the couple is the same, it would be pleasing in many ways. It is middling if one is human and the other divine. Death will result (if the human and the divine are united) with the demonic. 

503. Agreement between the lords of the rashi: If the lords of the rashis of the couple are one in the 6th house and the other in the 8th, death will result. If it be fifth and ninth, there would be childlessness. Second and twelfth houses, too, are not desirable. In the others, there will be excellent mutual attraction between the couple. 

504, If the said lords are identical or friendly, the marriage will be happy. It might be so even in the case of two and twelve and the trines (trikona), but never in the case of six and eight. 

505-6. Agreement of Yoni.⁸³ The animals relating to the asterisms Ashvini etc. are in order: (1. Ashvini): Horse; (2. Bharaņi): Elephant; (3. Kruttika): Goat; (4. Rohiņi): Serpent; (5. Mrugashiras): Snake; (6. Ardra): Dog; (7. Punarvasu): Cat; (8. Pushya): Goat; (9. Ashlesha): Cat; (10. Magha): Rat; (11. Purvaphalguni): Mouse; (12. Uttaraphalguni): Cow; (13. Hasta): Buffalo; (14. Chiträ): Tiger; (15. Sväti): Buffalo; (16. Vishakha): Tiger; (17. Anuradha): Deer; (18. Jyeshtha): Deer; (19. Mula): Dog; (20. Pūrväshådha): Monkey: (21. Uttarăşhadha): Ox; (22. Shravana): Monkey; (23. Shravişhtha); Lion; (24. Shatabhishak): Horse; (25. Pūrvabhadrapada): Lion; (26. Uttarabhadrapadá): Cow; (27. Revati): Elephant. 

83. Yoni-kūta indicates sexual compatibility. 

507. The pairs Dog and deer, Mongoose and serpent, Goat and monkey, Lion and elephant, Cow and tiger, Rat and cat, and Buffalo and horse are inimical. 

508. Varna (caste)⁸⁴. Pisces, Scorpio and Cancer are brahmanas; the further ones belong to the other castes.⁸⁵ If the male’s rashi is lower than that of the female in caste, it is inauspicious⁸⁶

84. Varna (caste) is indicative of the spiritual and egoistic development in a person. 

85. This would mean that, Aries, Leo and Sagittarius are Kshatriyas, Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn are Vaishyas, and Gemini, Libra and Aquarius are Shudras. 

86. Conversely if the caste of male's rashi is the same or higher than that of the female's räshi, it is auspicious, 

509-10a. Rajju or Nadi. (The 27 asterisms are in the form of a zigzag rope, each loop carrying 3 asterisms, thus forming three columns (nådis) of 9 asterisms each, (If the asterisms of the boy and the girl fall) in the same column, it indicates death and not so in adjacent columns.)⁸⁷ 

87. The translation here does not follow the textual verses, Rajju or Nadi Kata is extremely important in matching horoscopes, for it indicates the compatibility in physiological and hereditory temperaments. the three columns, shown below, represent the three humours (nadi-s), Vata, Pitta and Kapha: 

Vata                                 pitta                                      kapha

Ashvini                       Bharani                                  Kruttika

Ardra                          Mrugashiras                             Rohini

Punarvasu                  Pushya                                Ashlesha

        Uttaraphal.                 Purva-phal.                            Magha

Hasta                          Chitra                                     Svati

Jyestha                       Anuradhā                            Vishakha

Mula                           Purva-ashā.                        Uttara-așha

Satabhishak.             Dhanişhtha                        Shravana

Pūrvabhadra             Uttarabhadra:                       Revati

Persons of the same humour (nadi) would not be mutually compatible, especially those under the Pitta humour. 510b-11a. Different types of marriages. (The three types of marriages) Prajapatya, Brahma and Daiva are approved by the sage, and if performed at the said (auspicious) times, would be extremely beneficial. 

511b. (The Asura marriage is achieved through the payment of money and Paishacha by kidnapping the bride. The Rakshasa marriage is done by winning over the bride in battle and Gandharva is made by mutual understanding.)⁸⁸ 

88. Three lines are left out in the Venk. Press edn. of the NP. Their rendering is added here from the corresponding verses in the Narada-Samhita, 27. 141-42. 

512-13a. Abhijit and Godhulika.⁸⁹ The fourth lagna from the lagna at sunrise is called Abhijit and the seventh is called Godhulika. Both these are auspicious for marriage and (will bless the couple) with sons and grandsons. For the Easterners (belonging to Bengal, Assam etc.) and the people of Kalinga (Orissa), Godhulika is important. 

89. This muhurta is called Godhulika because it occurs at dusk when cows return home from pasture, happy and expectant, running and raising a cloud of dust. 

513b-14. Abhijit is considered as important in all regions as a destroyer of blemishes. The muhurta (of two nädikas) when the Sun is at the zenith is called Abhijit. It wipes off all blemishes as the Pinaka-bowed (Shiva) wiped out the Tripuras.⁹⁰ 

90. The reference is to the complete uprooting by Shiva of the three demoniac cities (Tripura) with a single shot of His arrow. For the story and references, see Puranic Encyclopaedia, pp. 793-94. 

515. Prohibitions in marriages. A daughter’s marriage should not be conducted for three seasons after a son’s marriage, neither should be performed the sacrament (for the change to married life, vrata). When there has been an auspicious event, there shall not be another auspicious event closely following. 

516. If the marriages of two sisters are conducted within six months of each other, one of them will surely become a widow within three years. 

517. Mutual marriages should not be performed nor should two daughters be married to the same groom, nor two daughters born of the same parents to two brothers born of the same parents. 

518a. Nor should two marriages be conducted at the same time, nor two tonsures. 

518b-19a. If a marriage is performed during Ganda⁹¹, the child if born during day-time will kill his father, if during night, his mother, and if during the (morning and evening) twilights, himself. There is no exception to Ganda. 

91. Ganda, Lit. 'neck' which is the junction of the head and the body, is of different kinds, e.g., the junction of the asterisms, tithis, lagna, yogas, karanas, years, ayanas, seasons, months, fortnights, days and nights. Some of these, specified in astrological texts, are extremely inaupicious and it is these that are referred to here. On Ganda see also above, verses 448-50a. 

519b. A son and a daughter born in the asterism Mula will positively kill the father-in-law, but not one born in the ending quarter of that asterism. 

520a-20b. A boy, but not the girl, born in the first quarter of Ashlesha and the latter two quarters of Jyeshtha will also (kill the father-in-law). 

521. A girl born in Mula or Pūrváşhadha will not harm the father or the mother, but the one born in Jyeshtha will kill the elder brother of the husband, and one born in Vishakha (Dvidaiva) the younger brother. 

521-23. Vadhüpraveśha. For the auspicious entry of the bride into her husband’s household, the sixth, eighth, tenth or seventh day counted from the day of marriage is recommended. (If it is delayed), the marriage journey should be made leaving out the second (and other even years and eschewing the bride’s birth asterism, birth-lagna, and birth-day, and also avoiding position to Venus.⁹² 

92. Atishukra (Pratishukra) or ‘journey opposed to Venus' will occur if Venus appears in the sky opposite or to the south of the direction in which the bridal party has to travel, 

INSTALLATION OF DEITIES

524a. The installation of any deity during the northward course of the Sun will conduce to prosperity. 

524b-25. The installation would be auspicious if made at a time when both Mercury and Venus are visible, in the five months from Magha, but omitting Chitra; in the bright fortnight and, if in the dark fortnight, in the first eight days, the lunar day being selected in accordance with the day patronised by the particular deity; 

526-527a. On the two lunar days beginning with the second, the three days beginning with the fifth, the four days beginning with the 10th, especially on full moon day; 

527b-28a. On the asterisms, the three Uttaras (viz., Uttara-phålguni, Uttarăşhadha, and Uttarabhadrapada), Mrugashiras, Revati, Hasta, Chitra, Svati and Pushya; and also, on Ashvini, Rohini, Pūrvāşhadha, Shravana, Anuradha, and Dhanishtha; 

528b-29. On week-days excepting Tuesday, when the Sun is strong with regards to the master (of the installation), when the potencies of the Moon and the asterisms are forthcoming; in the forenoon of that auspicious day, when the lagna and the division thereof are auspicious, and when no (asterism) deadly to the master is rising. 

530. Nature of the signs and houses. All the signs are auspicious if occupied or aspected by benefic planets, the Panchaka (Five sources of energy)⁹³ being auspicious and the 8th house, indicating death, is vacant. 

93. On Panchaka, see above under verse 441. 

531. The Moon, Mars, Sun, Node, Tail and Saturn would be harmful to the master if they occupy the lagna, while the other planets would bestow wealth, grain and happiness. 

532a. In the second house, the evil planets will not bestow any desired fruit, while the benefics and the Moon will bestow wealth. 

532b. In the third house, all the planets bestow sons, grandsons and happiness. 

533a. In the fourth house, the benefic planets bestow happiness, while the violent planets bestow unhappiness. 

533b. In the fifth house, the violent planets produce distress, while the benefic planets bestow sons and happiness. 

534a. In the sixth house the benefic planets become enemies, while the evil planets would destroy one’s enemies. 

534b. In the seventh house, the evil planets cause disease, while the benefic planets bestow auspicious fruits. 

535a. In the eighth house, all planets occupying it cause the death of the master. 

535b. In the ninth house which indicates dharma, the evil planets cause distress, but the benefic planets are auspicious and bestow happiness. 

536a. In the tenth house which indicates Karma, the evil planets give trouble but the benefic planets and the Moon bring glory. 

536b. In the eleventh house, indicative of profit, all planets tend to bestow the maximum income (profit) (to the master). 

537a. All the planets occupying the twelfth house indicating expenditure will make (the master) spend incessantly. 

537b-38a. The images of deities, installed, if not endowed with wealth, will harm the master, and harm the priest if not properly invoked with sacred chants. If not sculptured according to specifications, they will injure the master’s wife. Indeed, there is no act so inimical (as an installation (which has not been properly performed). 

538b-39a. If the installation is done during a lagna highly endowed with auspicious qualities, and if the blemishes are very little, the installation of deities would bestow upon the master all his desires. 

(VĀSTULAKŞHAŅA: CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES)

539b-400a. Testing of the ground. Towards the construction of a town, village, house etc, first examine the ground for its qualities of smell, colour and taste. 

540b-41. For brahmanas, (kshatriyas, vaishyas and shudras), it is auspicious if the earth has, respectively, the smell of honey, flower, sour fruit and flesh; has, respectively, the colours white, red, green and dark; and has, respectively, the tastes sweet, hot, bitter and astringent. 

542. It is beneficial for all people if the ground slopes towards north-east, east or north. Slopes towards the other directions would always be highly harmful to them. 

543. Dig a (cubical) pit of the depth of one cubit and fill it (with the excavated earth). It would be extremely beneficial if there is earth to spare, if less, it is inauspicious and if just enough to fill the pit), it is middling. 

544. Dig a similar pit at dusk and fill it with water. When examined in the morning, if there is water still, the place would be prosperous, if there is just slush, it would be middling, and if it is dry, it is inferior. 

545. Orientation (East-west determination). When a ground with good characteristics as above has been selected, prepare a level surface in its middle and draw a circle thereon, for determining the east-west line. 

546a. Fix a 12-inch gnomon at its centre and with its help, determine the directions.⁹⁴ 

94. For the method to determine the directions, see above ch. 64, vv. 128-31. 

546b-47a. Construction of the building. In the ground measured out as a rectangle and tested through the sixfold divisions (Şhadvarga),⁹⁵ a beautiful edifice should be erected, along the lines drawn. 

95. The shadvarga is primarily the divisions of the circle, viz., Rashi, Hora, Drekkäna, Navamsha, Dvadashamsha and Trimshamsha. See note under verse 430b, above. 

547b-48. Windows in the outer walls of the residential enclosure. Along the directions on the four sides, reckoned from the east, eight gates each should be put up. In the clockwise order they will have the undermentioned effects: 

549. East: (i) Misfortune, (ii) Loss of wealth, (iii) gain of wealth, (iv) propitiation of the king, (v) great wealth, (vi) big theft, (vii) rage and (viii) fear. 

550. South: (i) Death, (ii) imprisonment, (iii) fear, (iv) attainment of riches, (v) increase in wealth, (vi) freedom from doubts (vii) fear from diseases, and (viii) destruction of creatures. 

551. West: (i) Loss of a son, (ii) prosperity to the enemy, (iii) attainment of riches, (iv) receipt of wealth, (v) happiness, (vi) extreme misfortune, (vii) unhappiness, and (viii) distress. 

552. North: (i) Loss of one’s wife: (ii) destruction of creatures, (iii) Misfortune, (iv) attainment of grains and wealth, (v) wealth, (vi) prosperity, (vii) intense fear, and (viii) hunger, 

553. Doorways. The main doorway to the house is to be in the west or the south, its height being twice its breadth. 

554. 81-division concept⁹⁶ Divide the ground inside the boundary walls into 81 squares (by dividing the sides into nine equal divisions). Nine squares in the centre form the Brahmasthāna (‘place of Brahma’), which is highly inauspicious (for residential quarters). 

96. On this see Bruhatsamhita, of Varahamihira, 53. 42 ff. 

555-56a. The thirty-two squares close to the outer wall, (i.e., the border squares, all round) pertain to the ghosts. Residential construction in the ghost region will result in unhappiness, distress and fear. 

The other squares (are auspicious and) tend to bless one with sons, grandsons and wealth for one’s constructing the house. 

556b-58a. The east-west and north-south lines in the construction form its blood vessels. The Brahma squares, the ghost squares and the intersecting points of the blood vessels are to be understood as the vital junctures of the construction. The vital junctures are not commended for residential use. ⁹⁷ 

97. On the blood vessels (shira) and vital point (marmasandhi). see Bruhatsamhita, op. cit., 53. 63-65. 

558b-59a. Time for building construction. The months Margashiras (Saumya), Phālguna, Vaishakha, Magha, Shravana and Kärttika conduce to sons, health and wealth (to one who builds a house during these months). 

559b-60. Digvargayoni. The (eight) groups (vargas) beginning with a viz., (1) the vowels a etc., (2) ka-varga, (3) chavarga, (4) ta-varga, (5) ta-varga, (6) pa-varga, (7) ya-ra-la-va and (8) sha-sha-sa-ha) are placed, in order, against the (eight) directions beginning with the east. (The eight animals and birds, viz.) (1) eagle, (2) cat, (3) lion, (4) dog, (5) serpent, (6) rat, (7) elephant and (8) deer are the yoni-s (animal-births) of the (eight) said direction-groups. Of these the fifth counted from its group is its enemy.⁹⁸ 

98. Thus, (1,5) eagle and serpent, (2,6) cat and rat, (3, 7) lion and elephant, (4,8) dog and deer are enemies by nature. 

It is stated elsewhere that these vargas have the values, called   

Sharas (‘arrows') respectively, as (1) 8, (2) 5, (3) 6, (4) 4, (5) 7, (6) I, (7) 3 and (8) 2 (Narapati-jayacharya - Svarodaya by Narapati (Kashi Skt. Ser., No. 205, Varanasi, 1971, p. 271). These numbers re used as the basis for different types of computations for the prognostication of different matters. These numbers have been used for calculations in the next two verses of Purana

561. Auspiciousness based on Varga-chakra. (In order to determine whether the selected spot would be beneficial for the owner’s residence), the varga of the Sadhya (here, the village) and that of the sadhaka (owner) are separately calculated) and each divided by 8. If the remainder got from the Varga of the sadhaka is greater, the land is good for him, otherwise, it will destroy him.⁹⁹ 

99. The Varga of the village and that of the owner are found by adding up the values of the individual consonants and the vowels in their names. Thus, if Gokula is the name of the village, its varga would be 5-8- 3-8-37. For an owner by name Rama, the varga would be 3-8-1 +8=20. The respective remainders, on dividing the vargas are 5 and 4. Since 5 is greater than 4, Gokula will not be suitable for Rima to construct his residence. 

562. Or, count the asterisms from the asterisms of the sadhaka (owner) to that of the Sadhya (village), multiply that number by 4 and divide by 7. The greater the remainder, the owner will fare better in that land. ¹⁰⁰ 

100. For a further reading on the basis of these varga-numbers, see below, verses 589b-60a, and the nota thereon. 

563. Auspiciousness based on area. The product of length and breadth forms the area of a house. From it is calculated, in order, the numbers indicating (the nature of) its positiveness, negativeness, income, asterism, week-day and navamsha.¹⁰¹ 

101. Different calculations the adopted in this behalf. For some of these, see Muhurtachintámani, op. cit, 12. 3-4 (pp. 415-17) 12. 11-12 (Pp. 422-24). 

564. Positiveness conduces to prosperity, while negativeness is inauspicious. An odd number indicating income points to auspiciousness while an even number indicates penury. 

565. Auspiciousness based on asterisms. The third asterism (of the house) from that of the master of the house indicates depletion of wealth, the fifth asterism indicates depletion of prestige, and the seventh asterism foretells death. 

566. Auspiciousness based on the signs. The second and twelfth sign conduces to poverty and triangular sign conduces to sonlessness. The sixth and eighth signs indicate death. The other signs are auspicious. 

567. Auspiciousness on the basis of week-days. Sundays and Tuesdays conduce to fear of fire. The days pertaining to the other planets conduce to the fulfilment of all desires. 

568-69a. Deity of the dwelling and entrance to the house. The Deity of the dwelling (Vastu-pumān) would be lying prostrate on the house-site with his head towards the east during the three months beginning with Nabhasya (i.e., Bhadrapada, Ashvina and Kärttika). This pot-bellied deity, called also Chara ‘the moving shifts its position anticlockwise every three months, (thus remaining with his head towards north during Margashirsha, Pausha and Magha, west during Phālguna. Chaitra and Vaishakha, and south during Jyeshtha, Ashadha and Shravana). 

569b-70. The main entrance to the house should be in the direction in which the head of the Deity of the dwelling is (at the time when construction is started). A house with its entrance turned opposite to the said direction will bring disease and distress (to the master of the house). This drawback will not affect a house which has entrances on all sides. 

571. Commencement of construction. A mud pot, with gold, gems, grain and lotus seeds should be placed in a pit of the depth of a cubit in the centre of the house (-site) as a deposit). 

572a. The middle point of the longer side of the house site is termed (nábhi) (navel) and an area of three digits around it is its belly. 

572b-74. At the navel a gnomon adorned with gold, clothes, etc., and conducive of sons and grandsons, has to be fixed. The measure of the gnomon for (the houses of) Brahmanas, (Kshatriyas, Vaishyas and Shudras) are, respectively, 24, 23,16 and 12 digits. The gnomon should be constructed from the wood of Khadira, arjuna, sala and puga or from red sandal, palasha, raktasala or visála. 

575. Divide the gnomon into three, construct a square around it, then an octogon and then an unbroken circle (?) (anasram rujum avaranam). 

576-78. Fix the gnomon prepared as above at the appropriate place duly marked with a string used to mark off the quadrants, signs etc. (shadvargashuddhisutrena),¹⁰² on an auspicious day, the prevailing asterism being one of the mrudu. dhruva or kshipra classes ¹⁰³ the lunar day being not newmoon or one of the rikta ‘empty’ days (viz., the 4th, 9th and 14th tithis), the day being not Sunday nor Tuesday, the lagna and the eighth house being not occupied by evil planets, the eighth house being vacant, the lagna being auspicious, and so also the navamshaka division thereof, and the lagna being occupied or aspected by beneficent planets. 

102. On shadvarga, sec above, under verse 430b.

103. On the classification of the asterisms, see above, verses 177-79. 

579-80a. The fixing of the gnomon should be accompanied by the utterance of sacred hymns and the sounds of musical instruments played by the most auspicious ladies. The kendra and trikona houses (quadrants and trines) should be occupied by beneficent planets, the third and the eleventh (aya) and sixth houses being occupied by the other planets, and the Moon occupying the sixth house from lagna. 

580b-82. Classification of dwellings. There are six types of dwellings having, respectively, one, two, three, four, seven and ten halls; each of these are of sixteen types, which carry the appellations: Dhruva, Dhanya, Jaya, Nanda, Svara, Kanta, Manorama, Sumukha, Durmukha, Krūra, Shatru, Svarnaprada, Kshaya, Akranda, Vipula and Vijaya. 

583-84a. The possible types of dwellings can be calculated by the method of permutation and combination (as is done in metrics, where, in order to find the number of possible forms of a metre, the following procedure is adopted): Place the short syllable below the long syllable; and further, too, place the syllables, progressively. Thus fill the set entirely with long syllables and then add one with all short.¹⁰⁴ 

104. This method, called Chandah-prastara or Chandash-citi, has been set out both in mathematical texts like Bhaskara's Lilavati, Ganitapashavyahara, 261-66, Edn. K. V. Sarma, op. cit., pp. 459-64 and Kedarabhatta's Vruttaratnakara (6.1-8). Thus, the prastara for the 6-lettered foot of the Gayatri metre would be given by the arrangement of the syllables a 6/1, 5/2, 1/3, 3/4, 2/5, 1/6, giving the results 6, 15, 20, 15, 6, I, respectively, when one long syllable, two long syllables etc. occur, making a total of 63. When the single case with all short syllables is added, the total possible number of arrangements of the letters would be 64. 

584b-85a. Verandah. Construct narrow verandahs (alinda) round the building, starting from the entrance. Considering the verandahs from the east, there can be sixteen types of houses. 

585b-87a, Location of the rooms. The bathroom shall be to the east and the kitchen to the south-east. The room for sleeping shall be to the south and the armoury to the southwest. To the west shall be the dining room and the granary to the northwest. The room for worship is to be in the north and the room for the storing of milk, curds etc. to the north-east. 

587b-89a. Rooms for (1) bed, (2) urine, blood and faeces; (3) food, (4) auspicious things, (5) grain, (6) enjoyment with women, (7) wealth, and (8) ornaments, are to be located (in between the eight rooms mentioned above) beginning with the north east-east. Construction of residences in this manner is auspicious.¹⁰⁵ 

105. The allocation of the rooms in the sixteen directions differs, to some extent, in the different texts. For the different authorities on the subject, see Muhurtachintámani, op cit., 12. 21, pp. 432-33. 

589b-90a. Birds, beasts etc. of the direction. Flag, smoke, lion, dog, cow, ass, elephant, and crow-these eight are ascribed, in order, to the directions beginning with the east.¹⁰⁶ 

106. This verse which does not have any significance here, should actually come after verse 562, being a continuation of the subject of Digvargayoni, making use of the Varga-numbers. For this continuity, see Narapati-jayacharya svarodaya, op. cit., pp. 271-73, where readings are made on the basis of these birds, beasts, etc. in the Ayachakra. 

590b-91. Inauspicious trees around the house. Plaksha, udumbara, chūta, snuhi, nimba, vibhitaka, thorny trees, milktrees, vata, ashvattha, kapitthaka, agasti, sindhuvāla and tintidika are not recommended (for being planted around a residence). 

592a. An elder brother’s house to the south or west (of one’s own) (is recommended) as that of one’s own father, (?) 

592b. The foundations of a house are to be commended if they are level and the pillars equal (in height), not otherwise. 

593. The walls should not be too high nor too low, the height being fixed as one likes it. So also, the storeys, one over the other. In all such cases, the above shall be the consideration. 

594-95. Drains and gagoyles. Drains in houses are of eight types (as obtaining in different regions). They are, in order: Panchāla, Vaideha, Kaurava, Kaujanyaka, Magadha, Sürasena, Gandhāra and Avantika. In all these the breadth is one fourth of the height 

596. The Panchāla type is the smallest and the others, Vaideha etc., are larger, in that order. 

597-98. The Panchāla measure is applicable to all. However, for the residences, in two or three storeys, of brahmanas etc., drains of special suitability are those of the Avanti measure to Brahmanas, Gandhara measure to Kshatriyas and Kaujaneya measure to Vaishyas. 

599-600a. Stables. Stables for camels and elephants should have their heights with accord with the dhvaja or gaja measures. However, for cattle and horses, the height of the tables shall accord with the dhvaja or vrusha measures. The entrance, place for penning and place for feeding should accord respectively, with the dhvaja, simha and vrusha measures.¹⁰⁷ 

107. Dhvaja, gaja, vrusha, etc. are comparative measures derived by dividing the area of a building by eight. The divisions are used for various other purposes. On this see Muhúrtachintamani, op, cit, 12. 4-5, pp. 417-18. 

600b. Vastupuja. I shall now set out the procedure for the worship of the building before it is occupied. 

601. On husked rice spread in the centre of the house, draw ten lines, (west to) east, a cubit in the length, and ten lines (across south to) north, thus forming 81 squares. 

602. Mark the 45 deities mentioned below (in the appropriate squares), 32 of them in the border squares and 13 inside. 

603. Now, shall I state their names and places, in order. Here are the 32 deities (to be marked) from the northeast. 

604-5a. (1) Shiva, (2) Parjanya, (3) Jayanta, (4) Indra, (5) Surya, (6) Chandra, (7) Bhrusha, (8) Akāśha (Antarikshaka), (9) Vayu, (10) Pūshå, (11) Nirruti, (12) Gruhåkshata, (13) Yama (Dandadhara),(14) Gandharva, (15) Bhrungaraja (Bhrugurāja), (16) Mruga, (17) Pitruganadhisha (18) Dauvärika, (19) Sugriva, (20) Puşhpadanta, (21) Varuņa (Jaladhisha), (22) Asura, (23) Sheșha (? Shosha), (24) Papa (Rājayakşhmā), (25) Roga, (26) Naga (Bhogi), (27) Mukhya, (28) Nishakara (? Bhallāta), (29) Soma, (30) Shünya (? Sarpa), (31) Aditi, and (32) Diti. These are the 32 deities. 

605b-7a. (As has already been noted, Brahma occupies the nine squares at the centre). Outside (this Brahmapada), are the four deities, Apah, Savitra, Jaya and Rudra in the corners, beginning from northeast. 

607b-9a. Again, in the alternate squares around Brahmapada, beginning from the east, are the eight deities Aryama, Savita, Vivasvān, Indra (vibudhādhipaḥ), Mitra, Rajayakşhmā, Pruthvidhara and Apavatsa. These are the 55 deities to be marked in the squares) ¹⁰⁸. 

108. The distribution of the deities in the 81-square diagram (Vastuchakra) might be represented thus: 

609b-11. Classification of the deities. Apas, Apavatsa, Parjanya, Agni and Diti-these deities, form in order, (five) square-groups in all the corners. From among the deites, twenty are always two-square deities. Aryama, Vivasvän, Mitra, Pruthvidhara who are on the four sides of Brahma are three-square deities. 

612. Worship of the deities. The knower of house construction should worship Brahmi and the two-square and three-square deities with the hymn of house-building and with durva-grass, curds and rice grains. 

613. With the chanting of the Brahma-hymn shall be offered two white pieces of cloth. In due order shall be performed the invocation of the deity and the bestowing of honours. 

614. Offering of three types of cooked rice shall be made, as musical instruments are played, (after which) betel shall be offered. Then shall the master of the house pray (as follows): 

615. “O lord! Deity of the dwelling! Obeisance to you, who are intent on lying on the ground! May you make my dwelling always rich in cash and grains.” 

616. Having prayed thus, he should pay the priest dakshina according to his mite and later feed the brahmanas in consonance with his capability. 

617. One who performs properly the worship of the dwelling in this manner, will attain health, birth of a son, wealth and grains. 

618. On the contrary, one who enters (and dwells) in the residence without performing the worship of the dwelling, will have to endure disease, all kinds of difficulties and every calamity. 

619. Enter not a house which is either doorless or roofless, or for which neither sacrifice has been made nor people fed, for such a house is a source of danger. 

TRAVEL: YATRA

620. I shall now set down the dictums for travel for kings and all others whose time of birth is correctly known. 

621. In the case of those whose time of birth is not known the attainment of the predicted result would be by chance, like letters carved out by a worm.¹⁰⁹ However, in their case also correct results can be predicted through (such methods of astrology as) Prašhna and Nimitta. ¹¹⁰ 

109. The reference is to the ghunakshara-nyaya, the instance of the mark of gnawing of a worm on a piece of wood resembling a letter, by chance. 

110. These are branches of astrology for the prediction of future events on the basis of Prashna or questions articulated by an enquirer, and the time, manner and circumstances under which they are put. Nimitta or omenology relates to prognostication based on natural and other phenomena at the time under consideration. 

622. Inauspicious days for travel. Travel on sixth, eighth and twelfth (lunar days), ‘empty’ days (viz., fourth, ninth and fourteenth), full moon and first of the bright fortnight will tend to penury and distress. 

623. Auspicious asterisms for travel. Travel during the asterisms Anuradha (Maitra), Punarvasu, (Aditi), Mrugashiras (Indu), Hasta (Arka), Revati (Antya), Shravana (Hari), Tishya (Pushya) and Dhanishtha (Vasu) and also those other than the seventh, fifth, third and first, will yield one’s desires. 

624. Shula (Spear) on Week-days. Travel not towards the east on Saturday and Monday, not southwards on Thursday, not westwards on Friday and Sunday, and not northwards on Wednesday and Tuesday. 

625a. Shula on asterisms. (Travel is inauspicious on account of) Shula towards the four directions, from east, in order, on the asterisms: (east): Jyeshtha; (south): Purva-Bhadrapada; (West): Rohini; and (north): Uttara-phålguni. 

625b. Auspicious asterisms for all directions. The (four) asterisms, Anuradha (Mitra), Hasta (Arka), Pushya (Ijya) and Ashvini are prescribed for travel in all directions (sarvadvāra). 

626-27a. Blemish of Parigha-danda. Seven asterisms each, counted from Kruttika (Agnidhishnya) are prescribed for free (travel) in (the four) specific directions (dig-dvāra) (reckoned from east). The (diagonal) line from south-east to north-West is called Parigha-danda, (cross-bar’) which should not be crossed in travel as above).¹¹¹ However on night travel south-east in the asterisms specified for the east, the same rule is applicable in the case of the other directions also (i.e., southern asterisms for southwest etc.). 

111. This travel diagram (Yatra-chakra) could be represented as follows: 

627b. The rashis of the directions (dig-rashi) are Mesha etc. counted in continuation ‘in order’ (from the east).¹¹² (One can cut the parigha-danda in travel if the dig-rashi is favourable). 

112. The dig-rashis reckoned in this manner would be: East: Mesha, Simha and Dhanu; South: Vrushabha, Kanya and Makara; West: Mithuna, Tula and Kumbha; and North: Karka, Vrushchika and Mina. 

628a. Lalatikā-yoga.¹¹³ (The lords of the directions are, in order: East: Sun; SE: Venus; South: Mars; SW: Råhu; West: Saturn; NW: Moon; North: Mercury, and NE: Jupiter.)¹¹⁴ When the lord of the direction (towards which one travels) is in the lalața yoga, the traveller will not return home. 

113. A lalatika-yoga would occur if the lord of the direction which a traveller takes, occupies certain specified house in relation to the lagna at the time at which the journey is commenced. 

114. This information which is necessary here, but is omitted in the Narada Purana is taken from elsewhere. 

628b. The Sun in the lagna would be lalātaga (i.e., in the lalata yoga) for one travelling east. 

629, Venus in the 12th and 11th houses would be lalataga in the south-east. Mars in the 10th house would be lalataga in the south. 

630. Rahu in the 9th and 8th houses would be lalataga in the southwest. Saturn in the 7th house from lagna would be lalataga in the west. 

631. The Moon in the 6th and the 5th houses would be lalățaga in the north-west. Mercury in the 4th house would be lalataga in the north. 

632. Jupiter in the 2nd and 3rd houses would be lalátaga in the north-east, one who loves his life would keep away from lalața-yoga, 

633. Effect of retrograde planets. If the planet in the lagna at the commencement of the journey is retrograde, that will cause the defeat of the king; so also, the vargas of those planets, if in retrograde motion. 

634. Effect of Ayana. Travel in the direction of the (north-ward or southward) course of the Sun and the Moon is beneficial (if both move in the same direction). If otherwise (i.e., is the Sun and the Moon move in opposite directions), the journey should be begun during the day (if the journey is in the direction of the Sun’s motion) and during night (if the journey is in the direction of the Moon’s motion).¹¹⁵ 

115. Since the motions (ayana) of the Sun and the Moon are only towards the north and the South of the Zodiac, while the cardinal directions include also east and west, it is explained in astrological texts that 'north' takes in also east, and 'south' takes in also west. 

635. Effect of Venus. (Journey undertaken) when Venus has set will not be successful, while that against the course of Venus would end in failure. The adverse effect of going against Venus cannot be counteracted by other planet (even if they be in favourable positions). 

636. However, persons belonging to the five gotras, Vasishtha, Kashyapa, Atreya, Bharadvaja and Gautama, will not be affected by travelling against (the course) of Venus. 

637. Neither travel against Venus will affect their journeys within the same village, in famine, during wars between kings, and agitation against brahmins or kings. 

638. Venus will defeat the purpose of the traveller if it is in debilitation (nicha), is in enemy planets’ house, in retrogression or in defeat. On the other hand, if it is in exaltation, it will bring success. 

639. Prognostication based on one’s janma-lagna. (If travel is commenced) in the 8th house as reckoned from one’s janmalagna, or in the 8th rashi, or in the 8th lagna or rashi of one’s enemy or in the räshi of the lords of the above, no doubt, the traveller will meet with his death. 

640. However, if the lord of one’s janmalagna and that of the 8th lagna are friendly, the blemishes resulting from the janmarashi and 8th house will be counteracted. 

641. Houses aspected or occupied by violent planets (viz., Sun, Saturn and Mars) and those of a double nature (viz., Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces) will bring about failure. Travel is not recommended during the rising of the ‘firm’ (sthira) asterisms (viz., Uttaraphalguni, Uttaråşhadha, Uttara bhadrapada and Rohini). On the other hand, houses aspected or occupied by benefic planets are good for travel. 

642. During the five asterisms (actually four and a half) from Dhanishtha (Vasu) to the middle of Revati (antyärdha), should not be done the following five things; (Dhanishtha): cutting grass, (shatabhishak):  collecting firewood; (Pūrvabhädrapada): travel south; (Uttarabhadrapada): constructing cots; and (Revati): repairing houses. 

643. (Of a king) who starts (for war) when the then lagna is his janma-lagna on janma-rashi, or the lords of these two are in the then lagna, or the then lagna is the 3rd, 11th (aya), 6th (ari) or 10th house as reckoned from the above two, viz., janmalagna and janmarashi, the enemy will perish. 

644. If a Shirshodaya-räshi (sign rising with head) ¹¹⁶ is rising, the dig-lagna is in the lagna, or a beneficent varga is in the lagna, (at the start of the journey) then, too, the enemy will perish. 

116. The twelve signs (rashis) are classified into three types in consideration of the posture presented by the figures of the animals etc. in which they appear, as upright, inverted etc. Thus, the Si şhoday-rashis (signs rising with the head up, i.e., upright) are: Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius. The Prushthodaya-rashis (signs rising with their hind parts, i.e., inverted) are: Aries, Taurus, Cancer, sagittarius and Capricorn. The Ubhayodaya-rashis (signs of a combined nature) are Pisces and Gemini, 

645. (If the journey is commenced by the king) at the enemy’s janmalagna, janmarāshi or death-lagna (i.e., 8th house), or in the signs occupied by the lords of the above, then, also, the enemy will perish. 

646. (If a king starts) when Pisces is rising (Mina-lagna) or in the Pisces-division of another sign, his journey will be tortuous (and unsuccessful). Similarly, the sign Aquarius or its section (in any other sign) is not recommended for any type of journey. 

647a. For starting) a naval expedition or travel over the waters, the rising of ‘watery’ signs (jala-rashi)¹¹⁷ or the sections thereof in other signs, is auspicious. 

117. In the classification of the signs on diverse bases, the 'watery' signs are Cancer, the latter half of Capricorn and Pisces. 

647b-48. The twelve Bhavas (Houses). The twelve houses (relating to any time) are designated as follows, commencing from the then rising sign (udaya-lagna: (1) Murti (Body), (2) Kosha (Treasury), (3) Dhanvin (Archer), (4) Vahana (Vehicle), (5) Mantra (Counsel), (6) Sahtru (Enemy), (7) Marga (Way), (8) Ayus (Age), (9) Manas (Mind), (10) Vyapara (Occupation), (11) Prapti (Attainment) and (12) Aprāpti (Non-attainment).¹¹⁸ 

118. The twelve "houses' are given below under their better-known designations, with those aspects of man's life to which they are related: 

1. Tanu-bhava (Body, build, appearance).

2. Dhana-bhava (Wealth, property, family, vision, relatives).

3. Bhrátru-bhava (Brothers, intelligence, strength, help, army).

4. Sukha-Bhava (Happiness, vehicles, education, friends, residence).

5. Putra-bhava (Children, fame, pregnancy).

6. Shatru-bhāva (Enemy, debts, disease, misery).

7. Kalatra-bhava (Wife or husband, death, gambling).

8. Ayur-bhava (Longevity, gifts, intrigues, war, victory and defeat).

9. Dharma-bhava (Piety, god, teacher, father, travels, fortune).

10. Karma-bhava (Occupation, Philosophical bent, activity).

11. Aya-Bhava (Income, profits, gains).

12. Vyaya-Bhava (Expenditure, loss, salvation). 

649. The violent planets (viz., Sun, Mars and Saturn), are destructive in all the houses except the 3rd and the 11th (apti). Sun and Jupiter do not harm the 10th house (Vyäpāra). The benefic planets (viz., Jupiter, Venus, Moon and Mercury) make all houses except the 6th (Ari) flourish. 

650a. Venus, when set, does not benefit any house and the Moon does not benefit the 1st (Murti) and the 8th (Mrutyu) houses. 

650b-51. Effect of Abhijit. To travellers in all directions except to the south, the asterism Abhijit will fulfil all desires. This asterism is effectively beneficial even on a day which is not pure in relation to its five aspects (Pañchangashuddhi).¹¹⁹ 

119. These five aspects of a day are its tithi (lunar day), vara (week day), nakshatra (asterism), yoga and karana (see above notes on cha. 54, vv 124-27). A day is declared as panchanga-Shuddha (pure in relation to its five aspects). When these, individually, are in combination, are blemishless, 

652a. Combination benefic for travel. Multifarious are the combinations for travel (yātra-yoga). I shall, therefore, set forth those combinations. 

652b-53a. A combination would be effective, in the case of a brahmin, in view of the lagna; in the case of a kshatriya in view of the asterisms and in view of the auspicious moment (muhurta) in the case of others. So far as a thief is concerned, the omens count most. 

653b-654a. In the kendras (quadrants, viz., 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses and trikonas (trines, viz., 1st, 5th and 9th houses) a (benefic) yoga would be constituted by any one of Venus, Mercury and Sun. A double yoga (adhi-yoga) would be constituted by two of them, and by three a super yoga (yogādhi-yoga). 

654b-55a. A yoga would afford protection (Kshema) and in an adhiyoga one would be successful. And, in Yogādhiyoga, protection, success and prosperity would result. 

655b-56a. The Moon, Saturn and Sun occupying, respectively, the 10th (Vyāpāra), 6th (Shatru) and 1st (Murti), houses, will ensure the victory of the king who is setting out for war. 

656b-57a. The enemy’s forces will melt like lac in fire before a king who has marched when the planets Venus, Sun, Mercury, Saturn and Mars were occupying, respectively, the 1st (lagna), 7th (Marga), 11th (Ara), 3rd and 6th (Shatru) houses. 

657b-58a. The enemy’s army will be transported to the abode of Death by a king who had set out when Venus occupied the 1st house (lagna) and the other planets, the 2nd (Dhana) and the 11th (Mya) houses. 

658b-59a. A king who sets out when Venus is in the lagna, the Sun in the 11th (Lābha), and the Moon in the 2nd (Bandhu), will destroy the horde of enemies just as a lion would destroy a herd of elephants. 

659b-60a. One who sets out when Venus is in exaltation, (the lord) of the lagna is also in exaltation and the Moon is in the 11th house would have all miseries destroyed as Keshava destroyed Pūtana. ¹²⁰ 

120. The reference is to the episode in the Bhagavata Purana (Skandha 10) describing how Lord Krishna (Keshava) residing in Gokula during his childhood, destroyed the demoness Pūtană who had been sent out by king Kamsa to kill him. 

660b-61a. If the kendra and trikona houses are occupied by the benefic planets and the cruel planets occupy the 3rd, 11th and 6th houses, misfortune will seek out the traveller as a wanton woman (abhisärikā) (would go out in search of her lover). 

661b-62a. In front of a king who sets out when Venus, Sun and Moon occupy, respectively, 1st, 6th and 12th (randhra) houses, the enemy would not stand firm, as the instable) friend ship between evil persons. 

662b-63a. The enemy’s land would be within the grasp of a king who sets out for battle when Saturn and Mars are strong in the 3rd (trikhada) and 11th (Aya) houses. 

663b-64a. If a king sets out when Venus, which is in exaltation, occupies the lagna and the Moon is in the 11th house (labhagata), he will destroy his enemies, as Lord Shiva, with his bow Pinaka, destroyed the Tripura demons.¹²¹ 

121. The episode of god Shiva destroying three demonic cities, Tripuras, and the three demons occupying them, with the shooting of a single arrow from his bow, forms the basis of a lengthy episode described in the Padmapurana, chs. 13-14, and 33-34, Bhagavata, Sk. 7, chs. 31-34. 

664b-65a. A king who sets out (for war) when Venus, which is in exaltation, occupies the lagna, and Jupiter occupies the 11th house (labhaga) will kill his enemies just as God Kumara killed the demon Táraka.¹²² 

122. For a detailed account of the devastation of the world by the demon Taraka and the destruction of that demon by Kumara (God Skanda) born of the union of God Shiva and goddess Parvati, daughter of Himavan, see Skanda Purana, Sambhava-Khanda, Mahabharata, Vanaparva, ch. 223 Anushsana-parva, ch. 85, Valmiki-Ram, Bala. ch. 36. The episode forms the basis of Kumarasambhava, a long poem in Sanskrit by Kalidasa. 

665b-66a. A king who marches (for battle) when Jupiter occupies the lagna, kendra or trikona, will consume his enemies just as fire burns out the forest. 

666b-67a. Kings (who go for battle) when Mercury occupies the lagna, a benefic planet in the kendra and Venus (Dhişhnya) is in a (favourable) division (upakula), will dry up the enemies just as the rays of the Sun dry up the lake during summer. 

667b-68a. A king going out when a benefic planet occupies a trikona or kendra and the Sun or the Moon the 11th house (Labha) will drive away the enemies just like the Sun drives out darkness. 

668b-69a. A king will destroy his enemies just as fire burns cotton if benefic planets occupy their own houses, the kendra, trikonas and the 11th house (Aya) when he sets out. 

669b-70a. A king who goes out (for war) when Moon occupies its own house, Jupiter is in a kendra and Shukra (Mantri) is in the 7th house, will destroy all his enemies like the sacred Pañchākṣhara destroys all sin.¹²³ 

123. On the efficacy of this five-syllabled mantra, na-mash-shi-va-ya, 'obeisance to Lord Shiva', see the section on Panchaksharamahatmya, in the Shivapurana, Vayaviya-samhita, Chs. 82-84. 

670b-71a. A king who sets out when Venus, which is in the lagna, occupies also the vargottama division in it,¹²⁴ will destroy the horde of enemies just as the remembrance of Hari (Harismruti) would destroy all accumulated sin.¹²⁵ 

124. The Vargottamamsha-s, being the most effective section in the navamsha-division of the rashis are the following: (1) The first navamsha in the case of the 'Moveable signs' (chara-rashis), viz., Aries, Cancer, Libra and Capricorn; (2) the fifth navamsha in the case of the 'Fixed signs' (sthira-rashis), viz., Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, and (3) the ninth navamsha in the case of the 'Double-natured signs' Dvisvabhava rashis), viz., Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. 

125. There are several episodes in the Puranas to vindicate the efficacy of uttering the name of Hari (Vishnu). For example, we the story of Ajámila, the depraved brahmana who gained salvation at the utterance of the name of Vishnu (Bhagavata P. Sk. 8, Ch. 1). 

671b-72a. (A king starting on an expedition) when the kendra is occupied by a benefic planet and the Moon in the trikona is also in the vargottama section, will crush his enemies along with their clan just as Indra crushed the (flying) mountains. ¹²⁶ 

126. On Indra's cutting of the wings of the destructive flying mountains cf., the episode narrated by Mt. Mainaka to Hanuman, Valmiki-Ramayana, Sundarakanda, ch. 1. 

672b-73a. A king will kill his enemies just as the kite kills serpents, (if he starts for battle) when Jupiter occupies a friendly house and Venus occupies the kendra or trikona. 

673b-74a. (If a king) sets out when a benefic planet occupying the kendra or the trikona is also in the vargottama division (of the navamsha), he will wash away his enemies just as (the sacred river) Ganges (Bhagirathi) washes off sins.¹²⁷ 

127. On the episode of Bhagiratha, king of the solar dynasty, bringing the divine Ganges down to the earth to resurrect his ancestors and the river getting the appellation Bhagirathi on that account, see Mahabharata, Vanaparva, ch. 108; Valmiki-Ramayana, Bala. Canto 42; Brahmanda P. ch. 91; Padma P. Pt. 4, Ch. 21. 

674b-75a. Those kings who set out to conquer their enemies in the above yogas called ‘Royal yogas’ (nrupahvaya) (will be victorious and) their fire of anger would be put out by the tears of the enemy queens (who would be weeping on their fresh widowhood). 

675b-76a. The tenth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Ashvina is called Vijaya. For those who go out to fight that day there might be truce, but never defeat. 

676b-77a. For omens and portents, the mental attitude is most important. Hence it is up to all serious-minded people to cultivate the mental attitude. 

677b-78. One who desires to continue alive should not undertake a journey when a festival, the ceremonies of bestowing the sacred thread, marriage and installation of a deity, and pollution due to death or child birth (which is in force) has not been duly completed. 

678b-79a. A king should not set out when there is going on a buffalo fight or a goat fight, a quarrel between his queens or they are in their monthly course, clothes have been soiled, and when angry words have been uttered. 

679b-80a. Food before setting out. A king will conquer his enemies if he starts towards the (four) directions beginning with east after a repast, in order, of rice with ghee, cooked sesame balls, dish of fish, and rice cooked in milk with ghee added. 

680b-81a. On the week-days beginning from Sunday, (he should set out) after taking a food of (1) majjaka, (2) rice cooked in rice, (3) kanjika, (4) water, (5) curd, (6) milk and (7) cooked sesame. 

681b-84. A king will conquer his enemies if he sets out on the 27 asterisms beginning with Ashvini, accompanied by his army consisting of elephants, chariots, horses and infantry, after having his repast on: (1) Kulmāsha, (2) cooked sesame, (3) curd, (4) milk, (5) wine, (6) ghee, (7) water, (8) venison, (9) blood from the preceding, (10) rice cooked in milk, (11) bird’s flesh, (12) Venison, (13) hare’s flesh, (14) rice, (15) priyangu (mustard), (16) rice cakes cooked in oil, (17) variegated egg, (18) fruits, (19) flesh of tortoise, (20) of shvavid (21) of godha, (22) of shalyaka, (23) sanctified food (havishya), (24) cooked rice-sesame mixture (krusharanna), (25) cooked gram, (26) balls of cooked yava flour, (27) dish of fish, (28) variegated cooked rice, and (29) curd rice.¹²⁸ 

128. It may be noted that the prescription is for the 28-cycle of asterisms, including Abhijit, it being number 22 in the list. 

685-86a. Procedure for the march. The king should first offer oblations of sesame in the (sacred) fire and then worship the lord of direction (in which he is to proceed). He should then pay obeisance to the deities and brahmanas and start after receiving their blessings. (The worship of the respective deities) should be according to the prescribed specifications of complexion, dress, unguents etc. and with the chanting of their mantras. 

686b-87a, Indra should be worshipped as mounted on (his white elephant) Airavata, resplendent with (his consort) Shachi, as holding the thunderbolt in his hand, as of golden complexion and as adorned with divine ornaments. 

687b-88a. Agni should be worshipped (in an idol having seven hands, seven tongues, six faces, seated on a goat, with his consort Svaha, red-complexioned, and holding the palasha twig and sacrificial ladle as weapons. 

688b-89a. Yama should be worshipped as holding the rod as a weapon, with red eyes, mounted on a buffalo, seated with his consort Shyāmala, red-complexioned, looking up and beneficent. 

689b-90a. Nirruti should be worshipped as holding the sword and shield, blue-complexioned, mounted on a man as his vehicle, with raised hair, odd-eyed, with a high neck and lordly. 

690b-91a. Varuna should be worshipped as holding the serpent-rope, yellow-complexioned, seated on a whale, with his consort Kalika and adorned with gem-set ornaments. 

691b-92a. Vayu should be worshipped as the life of living beings, two-armed, holding a rod and riding a black antelope with his consort Anjani. 

692b-93a. Kubera should be worshipped as riding a horse, holding a pitcher in his hand, two-armed, golden-head, accompanied by his consort Chitralekha and lording over the (semidivine) Yakshas and Gandharvas. 

693b-94a. (Ishana) should be worshipped as holding the bow Pinaka in his hand, seated on the bull, with his consort Gauri, as the best of all, fair-complexioned with the crescent moon on his crest and with his sacred thread formed by a serpent. 

694b-95a. Procedure when march is delayed. In case a king cannot move off immediately for some reason or other, he should (still) make a start along with his flag, weapons, missiles and vehicles (exactly at the auspicious time determined as above). 

695b-96a. The place up to which he should march (before stopping) shall be two hundred danda-measures, or forty or even twelve, (as convenient). 

696b-97a. The king should not stay for more than seven days at one place and the others five days. In case of a longer delay (the ceremony of) starting should be made at another (auspicious) lagna (to be determined as before). 

697b-98a. If there is untimely rain accompanied by lightning and thunder, or the three types of major) natural calamities, the king should not move forward for three days. 

698b-99. Omens at the time of march. The sounds of ratnakudya, she-jackal, crow and pigeon and of ruru, parrot etc. (if heard from the left and of potaki and the bird bharadvaja from the right (are auspicious). 

700. The forest-crow is inauspicious, while four-legged animals on the right are auspicious. And, so is being stared at by a chameleon, but not by one of black colour. 

701. Hearing the boar, hare, godha, cat and serpent being spoken about is auspicious but the sound made by them or seeing them is not auspicious. It is the contrary in the case of the monkey and the bear (which can be seen and heard but not spoken about). 

702. The peacock, deer, mongoose, wild, crow and pigeon are auspicious at being seen at the commencement of a journey: the reverse is the case when one returns (home). 

703. A corpse, without any mourning, if seen (at the commencement of a journey), will fulfil the objective of the journey. On the other hand, a corpse, accompanied by mourning, seen on the return, will turn one into a corpse. 

704-6a. The following, if seen at the time of setting out, will destroy the aim of the journey): An outcaste, eunuch, bearded, drunk, vomit, medicine, one bathed in oil, fat, bone, skin, charcoal, diseased, molasses, cotton, salt, threat from an enemy, thirst, serpent, sterile woman, dwarf, saffron-clothed, clean shaven, hungry and the naked. 

706b-9. On the other hand, the following seen/heard (at the start of a journey) will fulfil its aim: Blazing fire, horse, throne, brahmanas, unguents, flowers, sanctified rice grain, umbrella, chowrie, swing, king, foodstuff, sugercane, fruits, bengal gram, cooked rice, honey, ghee, curd, cow, bull, fish, flesh, wine, white cloth, sound of conch, flags, courtesans, filled pitchers of water, gem, gold vessel, mirror, the sound of cattle drums, mrudangas, patahas, bells and lutes, and the auspicious chant of the Vedas. 

710. If one sees an adverse omen for once, he might remember his personal deity (and proceed); if he sees it for a second time he might worship the brahmins (and proceed); if he sees it for the third) he must return home. 

711. Sneezing heard from any side is inauspicious and the sneezing of cows is deadly. However, it is harmless if done by children, old men, diseased persons and persons suffering from cold. 

712. Binding on the conqueror. The conqueror who has taken the enemy’s capital should not touch another's woman, nor the wealth of brahmins and gods, nor the elephants, and horses, nor the distressed and the disarmed.¹²⁹ 

129. It is worthwhile to note the ideals of chivalry and non-injury advocated by the Purana in this verse which restricts a conquerer from indulging in pillage, plunder and insult. More explicit is the injunction of the Varaha-Purana which says: "The distressed, the frightened, the disarmed, the fleeing and those who have surrendered with grass in their mouths, those with broken arms and those who have got down from their horses and elephant-these should not be killed nor tortured. The lone heir to the family, those who have surrendered, with folded hands, saying. "I am your', should not be attacked and those (like sages), children, and those protected by women should not be killed nor tortured."

RETURN TO THE CAPITAL 

713. Occupation of a new residence. The first occupation of a newly built house should be done during the northward course of the Sun and after worshipping and offering oblations to the Building, the previous day. 

714. (Occupying the house) during the months of Magha, Phalguna, Vaishakha and Jyeshtha is auspicious, while it is middling in the months of Margashirsha (Saumya) and Kärttika: 

715. Occupation of the house) is auspicious in the asterisms of Mrugashiras (Shashi), Pushya (Ijya), Revati, Shatabhishak (Varuna), Chitra (Tvāshtra), Anuradhā (Mitra) and the fixed asterisms, (viz., Uttaraphalguni, Uttarasadha, Uttarabhadrapada and Rohiņi), (care being taken to see that) Jupiter and Venus are visible (i.e., not set). 

716. Occupation is auspicious both during day and night, on week-days other than Sundays and Tuesdays, and tithis other than the empty lunar days (riktā, viz., the 4th, 9th and 14th) and new moon. 

717. Thus, at an auspicious time, on an auspicious day, in the forenoon, when both the Moon and the asterisms are strong,¹³⁰ in a fixed lagna (i.e., when the 'fixed' signs, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius, are rising), and in a 'fixed' division of that lagna, not affected by deadly indications, characterised by blemishlessness. 

130. On Chandrabala and Tarabala, the astrological strengths of the Moon and the asterism relating to a person, see B. V. Raman Muhurta (Bangalore, 2nd edn., 1954), Ch, III. ‘The birth-star and the birth-moon'.

718. When the benefic planets occupy the trikonas and the kendras, while the others occupy the 3rd, 11th and 6th houses, when the Moon occupies a house other than the 6th and the 8th from lagna. 

719. In the birth asterism or birth-sign of the master or when they are in exaltation, the occupation will result in prosperity, otherwise misery and penury will result. 

720. The wise man shall enter the charming and at tractive house, accompanied by variegated and auspicious sounds (of music and instrumentation), with the Sun on the left and with a pot of water carried in front. 

PROGNOSTICATION OF RAIN

721-22a. If (when the possibility of rains is considered) it is the advent of the rainy season, the Moon being in a 'watery sign' (Jala-rashi)¹³¹, in the kendra if it is the bright fortnight and is aspected by benefic planets, there would be heavy rains. On the other hand, if the aspection (of the Moon) is by malefic planets and if it is summer, there would only be a little rain. 

131. The "Watery signs' are Cancer, the latter half of Capricorn and Pisces.

722b. The same will occur also when Venus is characterised by the different things mentioned for the Moon. 

723. If in the rainy season, the Moon occupies the seventh house from Venus and is aspected by benefic planets, or in the trikona or 7th house from Saturn, there would be (immediate) rain. 

724. Venus will produce immediate rain if it is near Mercury. If, however, the Sun occurs between the two, there would be no rain. 

725. Venus in the five asterisms beginning with Magha (i.e., Magha, Purvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni, Hasta and Chitra) will cause rain, if the three asterisms Svati, Visakha and Anuradha follow (i.e., in the regular motion of the planet). If otherwise (i.e., in the retrograde motion of the planet), there would be no rains. 

726. Planets near the Sun cause rains when they are just before or behind the Sun (in their regular motion), but not in their retrograde motion. 

727. Venus coursing on the left will bring about rains if it is moving south. There would be rains in the morning and in the evening as the Sun enters the asterism Ardra. 

728. There would be increase in vegetation during the twilights (due to rains falling at these times) and there would be prosperity on all counts for people during nights. Light rains will then reduce prices and no rains will increase crops. 

729. If there is a division in the rising of Ardra, there will, no doubt, be a calamity. If, however, the Moon, Jupiter or Venus is in a kendra, the calamity will not occur. 

730. The Sun occupying the asterism Pūrváşhadha and surrounded by clouds, will cause noticeable rains on all days from Ardra to Mula. 

731-32a. If there had been rains on Revati (Paushnabha), there would be no rains for ten days. If Simha is divided, how can there be rains and if Karkata is divided, how can there be no rains. If the rise of Kanya, is divided there would always be plenty of rains. 

732b-33a. (Rains in) Uttarabhadrapada are indicative of vegetation in the beginning and Revati of vegetation in the end. Rains in Bharani are indicative of vegetation throughout, while Ashvini is indicative of destruction of all vegetation. 

733b-34a. When Venus is in the 7th sign ahead of Jupiter, there would be heavy rains, especially if the rainy season is at its height. 

734b-35a. If a halo (pariveşha) occurs around the Moon, extending to seven asterisms (from it), there would be rains, heavily interspersed with lightning and accompanied by the croaking of frogs. 

735b-36a. If the clouds in the centre of the sky are inclined towards the west or towards the south, there would be rains shortly. 

736b-37a. Cats pawing the ground, encrustations occurring on metal and children building bunds on the pathways are indicative of rains. 

737b-38a. Moving rows of ants, profusion of glow-worms, serpents climbing up trees are indicative of immediate rains). 

738b-39a. The Sun and the Moon, at rising or setting, appearing dull or coloured like honey and if there be severe wind at that time, heavy showers would follow, immediately. 

(KURMAVIBHAGA: DIVISION OF THE GLOBE)

739b-40a. This land of India) has been laid out as if divided into nine sections (mandala) and set in a clockwise direction on nine parts (of the body) of a tortoise facing east. 

740b-41. The (central) navel region consists of Antarveda and Panchāla. The face-region, in the east, is formed by the region forming Magadha and Lata. The (right) fore-leg is formed by Stri-(rajya), Kalinga and Kirata. 

742. The (right) flank region consists of Avanti, Drávida and Bhilla. The (right) hind leg region is constituted of by the countries of Gauda, Konkana, Salva, Andhra, and Paundra. 

743. The tail-region is formed by Sindhu, Kashi, Maharashtra and Saurashtra. The (left) foot-region consists of Pulinda, China, Yavana and Gurjara.

744. The (left) flank region is made up of Kuru, Kashmīra, Mädreya and Matsya. The (left) foreleg region is constituted of by Khasa, Anga, Vanga, Välhika and Kamboja.¹³² 

132. The division of the country, made as above could be represented thus:

745. In the nine parts commencing with the navel place three asterisms each, beginning with Kruttika. When any of these stars is aspected by malefic planets, there would be misery (for the region represented by it), and when aspected by benefic planets, (there would be happiness for the region). 

(UTPATA: PORTENTUOUS PHENOMENA)

746. (Portentuous phenomena are said to present themselves) when (idols of) deities (in temples) frequently dance, fall and burn; weep, sing, sweat and laugh; 

747. Vomit fire, fumes, oil, blood and water; stand upside down and move from place to place. 

748. Such freak occurrences seen in the idols of deities (constitute portentuous phenomena). So also, are mansions in the air (gandharva-nagara), asterisms becoming visible during day; 

749. The fall of a mighty meteor and the raining of twigs, grass and blood, atmospheric smoke in mansions in the air, and earthquake during day or night; 

750. Sparks without fire and flames without fuel, rainbow during night, mandükashikhara, and white crow; 

751. Sparks of fire emanating from cows, elephants, horses and camels, two-headed and three-headed animals being born from unnatural wombs. 

752-53a. Mock-suns in the four directions along with the (real) Sun; jackals inhabiting villages; and the appearance of comets; and agitated flock of crows, in the night and pigeons during the day. 

753b-54a. So also, trees flowering out of time and seen bearing fruits likewise; they should first be cut down by the wise and then rites for averting the evil foretold should be performed. 

754b-55a. Many are such portentuous phenomena which are destructive in the different regions. Some bring about death and some others fear from enemies, 

755b-56a. An anthill covered with honey at the nine places, viz.,) the top (and the eight directions from the east) is indicative, respectively, of fear, fame, death, depletion, reputation, happiness, misery, prosperity and loss of wealth. 

756b-57a. O great brahmin! at the occurrence of all such portentuous phenomena, (if of an inauspicious nature), rites for averting evil should be performed with care as specified by the ritual texts. 

757b-58. O brahmin! Thus, has been narrated to you the discipline of Jyotisha in all its aspects. I shall now set out the exquisite science of metrics.