The Jewel of Auspicious Moments

While discussing the suitability of various astrological combinations original: "yogas", he has also mentioned the differing opinions of others in various places.

The Generosity of the Author

In the chapter on the "Rules for the Astrologer" original: "Samvatsara-sutra" in Varahamihira’s Great Compilation original: "Brihat Samhita", the qualities required of an astrologer are thoroughly described. These specific virtues shine brightly in this Govinda. We recognize his qualities, such as his truthfulness and lack of envy, simply by examining this Jewel of Electional Astrology original: "Muhurtaratna". His noble character is clearly evident from the statement he made at the beginning of the book. For example:

Though the lore of auspicious timing original: "muhurta" was hidden by great scholars like Suvarnachuta and others who have kissed the ocean of astrology, it is revealed here in its basic directions. (2)

In the commentary on the aforementioned verse, Paramesvara writes: "It is heard that previously, a certain eminent twice-born term: "dvija" - a member of the three upper castes of Hindu society composed a work on electional astrology titled All-Attainment original: "Sarvasiddhi". That work was not accepted by some. Then, this Teacher Govinda, wishing for the welfare of that excellent twice-born man, made an effort to incorporate that All-Attainment into his own work." By this, Govinda’s appreciation for the merits of others and his foresight are well expressed.

Introduction to the Commentator

The name of the commentator of the Jewel of Electional Astrology is Paramesvara. This commentator, Paramesvara, sometimes refers to his own name as "Ishvara preceded by Parama" This is a wordplay on his name Paramesvara, which combines 'Parama' (Supreme) and 'Ishvara' (Lord). It is understood that he specified it this way for the sake of the poetic meter. In the commentary on the present Jewel of Electional Astrology, he says:

In that work, a small portion is being explained by Parama-preceded-by-Ishvara, the grandson of his disciple, according to what has been heard.

And likewise, in the Light on the Sphere original: "Goladipika":

Thus the arrangement of the celestial sphere has been briefly stated by Parama-preceded-by-Ishvara; there is more to be said regarding the sphere for his young son.

Thus he indicates his own name. He was a Brahmin of the Bhrigu lineage original: "gotra" and a follower of the Ashvalayana school of ritual. The village of Alathur, situated on the banks of the Bharathappuzha River (called the Nila River in Sanskrit) in the South Malabar region of the land of Kerala, was graced by his birth. This village of Alathur is known in the Sanskrit language as...