Accompanied by the Illuminator of Hidden Meanings

Therefore, it generates spiritual merit because it is included among the fourteen branches of knowledge The fourteen Vidyas include the four Vedas, six Vedangas, Puranas, Nyaya, Mimamsa, and Dharma Shastras, such as the Puranas and Logic.
Now, one might ask: "How is this a limb of the Veda?" To this, the author replies: "It is supreme."

This Time is the Lord Vishnu, infinite, the Supreme Lord.

Since He is worshipped through this [science], who else is considered more worthy of worship?

Because it explains Time, it is excellent and thus a limb of the Veda Vedanga: literally 'limb of the Veda,' referring to six auxiliary disciplines used to understand and perform Vedic rituals. The intention here is to distinguish it from the Puranas and other texts. Now, one might ask: "Since there are six limbs of the Veda, such as Grammar, why is there a specific focus on this one?" To this, he replies: "It is the goal." It is the best among the six limbs of the Veda. Why? Because it is "the highest."
It is the primary limb, meaning the "eye." Just as a person without eyes is unable to act, this science of light Jyotish-shastra: the traditional Indian system of astronomy and astrology is the most excellent among the limbs of the Veda. Furthermore, one might say: "Even so, such great effort to gain this knowledge is not justified." To this, he replies: "It is a secret."

Knowledge indeed came to the Brahmin and said: "Protect me, I am your treasure. Do not speak of me to the scornful, the crooked, or the undisciplined; thus may I remain powerful."

According to this scripture original: "Shruti," referring to the Vedas or Upanishads, it means it must be kept secret. Thus, because this science is determined to be a precious gift, such great effort was made to obtain it. || 3 || Then, the Sun, being pleased, gave this to Maya Maya is the great architect and asura who received the revelation of the Surya Siddhanta, as he says:

Gratified by that penance, and being pleased with him who sought a boon,

The Sun himself gave the motion of the planets to Maya. || 4 ||

"Himself" means by his own accord. "Pleased" means he is of the nature of happiness. Alternatively, it means the beautiful, visible Sun, being satisfied, even though he dwells within the solar orb. He was "gratified" or extremely satisfied by that "penance" Tapas: intense spiritual discipline or austerity which was very difficult to perform. To him [Maya]...