The Jewel of Auspicious Moments

In the first chapter, from verse 148 to verse 153, there is an exposition of the six-fold divisions original: "shadvarga"; these are the six types of divisional charts used to determine planetary strength starting with the Ascendant, and the lords of the zodiac signs starting with Aries are mentioned. In the second chapter, from verse 839 to verse 846, there is a discussion on the mutual aspects the way planets "look at" or influence one another of the planets, their root-trine signs original: "mula-trikona"; specific signs where planets are particularly powerful, the temporal strength original: "kala-bala" of planets, and a consideration of directional strength original: "dig-bala". From verse 847 to verse 855, the system of eight-fold points original: "ashtakavarga"; a method of calculating planetary strength based on their positions relative to other planets is discussed. Thus, the introduction of topics belonging to the Horoscopy branch original: "Hora-skandha" is seen.

In the first chapter, from verse 131 to verse 138, the characteristics of the intercalary months original: "samsarpa," "ahaspati," and "adhimasa"; these are various types of extra months added to the lunar calendar to keep it in sync with the solar year are described. The method for calculating these intercalary months using the total count of elapsed days original: "ahargana", as well as the differences of opinion on this matter, are well-described in both the original text and the commentary. In verse 64, beginning with the phrase "multiplied by the equinoctial shadow digits" original: "palangula-hate", the method for calculating the length of the day using the equinoctial shadow original: "palabha" is given. In the third chapter, from verse 319 to verse 321, the rising-sentences mnemonic phrases used to calculate the rising times of constellations for Ashvini and other stars are provided. To determine the auspicious time Muhurta, the method for calculating the shadow-digits of that specific time is given, and in verse 330, another method for knowing the equinoctial shadow is specified. In this way, the procedures of the Mathematical Astronomy branch original: "Siddhanta" are also shown in several places.

To understand the ease of obtaining commodities, a discussion explaining the increase or decrease of goods based on the specific production of fruits and flowers is detailed in the third chapter. In the fourth chapter, topics belonging to the Samhita branch the branch of astrology dealing with collective omens and natural phenomena are also found in this Muhurta Ratna, such as the consideration of underground water, the determination of water using the "Moon-Protection Circle" original: "Chandragupti-chakra", and the characteristics of men and women.

In the first chapter, special technical names for certain stars such as Sthuna, Kantaka, and Kantaka-sthuna are mentioned. Topics such as the acceptance of the eighth day of the dark fortnight for marriage are also seen in this very book. Regarding the compatibility for marriage, twenty "Kutas" points of compatibility are specified in this text. Generally, in other texts on auspicious timing, only eight Kutas are mentioned. The gender, bird-association, and pulse original: "linga," "pakshi," and "nadi" of the stars starting with Ashvini are described in detail in this work.

In the second chapter:

If Venus is in an Upachaya house the 3rd, 6th, 10th, or 11th house from the Moon, and Jupiter is in an Upachaya house from Venus, these three combinations are of great strength, whether occurring individually or in combination. || 251 ||

Introduction (Upodghata): A formal preface explaining the scope of the work.
Six-fold divisions (Shadvarga): A system of dividing zodiac signs into smaller portions to refine astrological predictions.
Root-trine (Mula-trikona): Specific zodiacal zones where a planet's influence is most potent, second only to its exaltation.
Eight-fold points (Ashtakavarga): A mathematical system used to predict the strength of a house based on the positions of all seven planets and the Ascendant.
Horoscopy (Hora-skandha): The branch of astrology dealing with individual birth charts.
Intercalary month (Adhimasa): An extra month inserted into the lunar calendar to maintain alignment with the solar seasons.
Elapsed days (Ahargana): The total number of days passed from a fixed epoch to a specific date.
Equinoctial shadow (Palabha): The length of the shadow cast by a vertical gnomon at noon on the day of the equinox.
Muhurta Ratna: "The Jewel of Auspicious Moments," the title of the manuscript.
Twenty Kutas (Vimshati-kuta): A complex system of 20 points used to measure the compatibility between a bride and groom, expanding on the standard 8-point system.