Now begins the Muhurta Chintamani

With its Vernacular Commentary

Relying upon the long boat of the lotus feet of the Holy Lord original: "Shrinath"; refers to the Supreme Teacher or Vishnu, I have set out to cross the ocean of poetry created by the poet Rama Daivajna, which is impassable even for the learned. How small and insignificant am I! ॥ 1 ॥
Having obtained knowledge of auspicious timing Muhurta: a unit of time approximately 48 minutes long, or the general study of electional astrology through the grace of my father’s lotus feet, I, named Mahidhara, extend this explanation in the language of men Hindi for the delight of the young referring to students or beginners in the field. Whatever faults are mine herein should be forgiven by the wise. ॥ 2 ॥

The author of the commentary, in order to remove obstacles, offers salutations to his Guru and states the purpose of this vernacular composition: The ocean of poetry by the virtuous poet Rama Daivajna is such that even scholars cannot cross it suddenly—meaning one cannot grasp the poet's intent without a foundation. Therefore, I, a small and humble soul, having found the great boat of the lotus feet of the Holy Lord (either Vishnu, the Lord of Lakshmi; or Shiva, the Primal Lord; or specifically the Supreme Brahman in the form of the Sat-Chit-Ananda Guru), have prepared to cross said ocean of poetry. I, named Mahidhara (a Brahmin residing in the capital of Tehri, Garhwal district), who has received the knowledge of Muhurta through the grace of my father's lotus feet, compose this fluid Hindi commentary on the text titled "Muhurta Chintamani" for the pleasure of those unfamiliar with such treatises. I also pray that if there be any unworthiness or error on my part, the learned should forgive me. ॥ 1 ॥ 2 ॥

(Indravajra Meter) May the elephant-faced God Ganesha remove all obstacles—He who, having pulled the decorative Ketaki leaf-petal from Gauri’s Parvati's ear with His hand trunk, placed it before His mouth; for a moment Muhurta, it appeared as if a second tusk was sprouting forth. ॥ 1 ॥

Lord Ganesha, in a display of childhood playfulness toward His mother Gauri (Parvati), forcibly pulled a piece of the Ketaki flower petal worn in her ear with His trunk. He held it to one side of His mouth as if to eat it. For that brief moment (Muhurta), it looked as if a second tusk Ganesha is traditionally "Ekadanta" or single-tusked was growing...