Concise Manual on Planetary Motion with Commentary

1. First Interpretation (Regarding the Deity): The speech of Keshava original: "Keshav" — here referring to Lord Krishna/Vishnu (the young Mukunda) is supreme. It purifies the heart through the practice of the rituals prescribed in the Vedas, bestows ultimate spiritual knowledge, is filled with profound meanings, is concise, imperishable, and is made clear through the incarnations of Vishnu (such as Kapila and others) who provided the means (commentaries and teachings).

2. Second Interpretation (Regarding the Author's Father): The speech of Keshava The author’s father, Keshavacharya, a famous astronomer (the author’s father) is supreme. By memorizing the astronomical manuals (Karana texts) composed by him, the mind is cleared, granting knowledge of the stars and planets. Though it requires long practice to master, it is filled with many layers of meaning, is concise, unchanging, and is made clear through the efforts of his descendants (sons and disciples) who provided the means (commentaries). [1]

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Now, showing the similarity between the astronomical manual (Karana) and Lord Rama, the author provides an instruction for remembering them:

Remembering Rama, who broke the bow of Shiva, whose arms shine with firm virtues,

Who grants good fruits and took a human form; so too remember this Manual.

Which discards sines and arcs, shines with firm multipliers, has good circular diagrams,

Which grants accurate results and contains the shadow of the gnomon. [2]

Now, demonstrating the equivalence between his own astronomical manual (Karana) and the form of Lord Rama/Vishnu, the author speaks a mangala an auspicious introductory verse in the Aupachhandasika meter: “Paribhagnasamaurvikesachapam...” O Astronomer! Remember Rama, who is a form of Vishnu. Also remember this Karana, the method for calculating planets which is about to be described. By remembering both, one attains the highest good.

In what way is he like Vishnu? He who broke the bow of Shiva. He broke into two pieces the bow of Lord Shiva (Isha) along with its string (maurvi). This is well-described in the story of Sita’s wedding.
In the other sense (the manual): It has discarded the use of sines and arcs. A technical feature of this specific manual is that it simplifies calculations by avoiding complex trigonometric sine tables (Jya/Maurvi). In this manual, sines and arcs are not used.

Furthermore, how is he? Shining with a firm necklace of virtues. He shines with a necklace made of firm, connected virtues (qualities).
In the other sense: It shines with firm multipliers (Gunaka) and divisors (Hara).

Furthermore, how is he? Having well-rounded arms. His arms are perfectly circular and strong.
In the other sense: It contains excellent circles (Vritta) and sides of triangles (Bahu). Refers to geometric diagrams and the "arms" or sides of right-angled triangles used in shadow calculations.

Furthermore, how is he? The giver of good fruits. He grants the great fruit of liberation (Moksha).
In the other sense: It grants accurate results (the Phala or "fruits" of planetary equations, such as the Equation of the Center).

Furthermore, how is he? Possessing a human luster. He has accepted the form and radiance of a human being.
In the other sense: It contains the measure of the gnomon’s shadow. The word 'Nr' (man) is a technical term for a gnomon of 12 digits, and 'Prabha' means shadow. [2]

Regarding Rama: O Man! Worship that form of Vishnu through meditation. He who broke the bow of Shiva: he broke and divided the bow of Lord Shiva into three equal parts on the ground. Shining with a firm necklace of virtues: he is adorned with a necklace made of the "string" of Sattva (purity/goodness) which is firm and unchanging. With well-rounded arms: his arms provide the livelihood for all living beings. Giver of good fruits: he grants the desired fruits of one's actions. Possessing human luster: he took on the radiance of a human body. "Rama" is he in whom the yogis delight. He is the creator of the world.
Some explain "well-rounded arms" as simply having circular arms. However, since long arms (reaching the knees) are considered a mark of greatness, and Valmiki uses the term "arms reaching the knees" (Ajanubahu), scholars should consider if the "circular" interpretation is appropriate.

Regarding the Manual (Karana): O Astronomer! Remember (study) this Manual, the method for determining planetary positions. The definition of a Karana is: "That text from which knowledge of planets is gained starting from a specific epoch (Saka era)." Which discards sines and arcs...