Introduction

In this section literally "skandha" or branch of the astrological tree, various topics are examined, such as the rising of the Seven Sages the stars of the Big Dipper led by Agastya the star Canopus, the conjunctions and conflicts of the planets, the yearly forecasts, and the planetary configurations known as "Shrungataka." Furthermore, it describes the signs of cloud formation conception of rain, the retention of the clouds, the timing of rainfall, immediate rain, and the signs indicated by the flowering and fruiting of plants. Additionally, the effects of omens such as the "burning of the directions" atmospheric glows, earthquakes, the appearance of comets, the falling of meteors, and the appearance of mock suns are discussed.

The chapters on Architecture Vastu: the science of sacred and domestic space and the exploration of underground water Dakargala: the art of dowsing or finding water sources as stated in the Samhitas are of great importance. The characteristics of temples, the "Ayurveda of trees" botany and plant health, and the considerations for making divine idols are also well-described in this Samhita branch. Beyond these, the results of the cries of crows, the howling of jackals, and the gestures of cows, horses, and deer are investigated. The Samhita portion holds a primary position in the science of Jyotisha astrology/astronomy.

Garga, Parashara, Asita, Devala, Kashyapa, Bhrigu, Vashistha, Brihaspati, Bhadrabahu, and Varahamihira are the famous authors of the Samhita texts. Among them, the work "Brihat Samhita" by the teacher Varahamihira remains the most widely used and celebrated.

Muhurta Auspicious Timing

The word "Muhurta" refers to a specific division of time. Even in the Vedic period, Muhurta is seen used as a synonym for a measure of time. A fifteenth part of the day is designated by the term Muhurta; the same applies to the night. Thus, in total, there are thirty Muhurtas in one single day a full day-night cycle. Authoritative statements on this are found in the Upanishads and Brahmanas. For example:

"Now, what he says: Chitra, Ketu, Data, Pradata, Savita, Prasavita, Abhishasta, Anumanta. This is indeed that. These are the Muhurtas of the day. These are of the night."

Different names for the Muhurtas are found in the Brahmanas and other texts, categorized by the bright and dark fortnights and the distinction between day and night. For example:

"Chitra, Ketu, Prabhan, Abhan, Sambhan, Jyotishman, Tejashvan, Atapan, Tapan, Abhitapan, Rochana, Rochamana, Shobhana, Shobhamana, Kalyana."