Surya Siddhanta — [Chapter One]

To the seeker of the Science of Light Sanskrit: Jyotish-shastra; refers to the combined study of astronomy and astrology, he gave the knowledge of the movements of the planets and stars situated in the procreative winds. He gave it thoroughly, in its entirety, and according to its true essence. || 4 ||

Hindi Commentary: Being satisfied by his penance, the Sun God himself was pleased and granted the knowledge of the movements of the planets to Mayasura, who desired this boon. || 4 ||

Now, one might ask: how could the Sun speak this to his own enemy referring to the traditional enmity between Devas (gods) and Asuras (demons) even if he had sought refuge for his own purpose? To translate the words spoken directly by the Sun to Maya, and to show the connection between them, he says:

"Your intention is known to me; I am indeed pleased by your penance.
I shall grant the knowledge based on Time, the great movement of the planets." || 5 ||

"The Blessed Sun spoke": this means the Sun, shining with masses of brilliance, spoke to Mayasura. Otherwise, the connection between the fourth and fifth verses would be inconsistent. What did he say? He translates those words: O Mayasura, your "intention"—your desire in the form of curiosity for the Science of Light—is "known" by me, the Sun; even though unspoken by you, it was known by itself. Then what? My success is not achieved by this alone, so he says: "I." By the repetition of "to you," [it means] to you I shall give the "knowledge," the scripture which is "based on Time" (where Time is the primary element). The "great," immeasurable "movement" or majesty of the "planets" situated in the procreative winds. The resulting meaning is: the Science of Light which explains the positions and motions of the planets. I, residing in the solar orb, "shall give" it. Now, [Maya might think]: "Will these words to me, a demon, be deceptive?" To provide the reason for speaking without deception, he adds his own qualification: "pleased." "Indeed," because I am extremely satisfied by the "penance," the worship performed by you, therefore I shall give it. And so, by the power of your actions and my affection for my devotees, I have overlooked our natural enmity and shown compassion, just as [the Lord] showed compassion to Prahlada without deception. || 5 ||

Hindi Commentary: The Sun God said: "I have known your intention, and I am also satisfied with your penance; I will give you the knowledge of the movements of the planets which are dependent on Time (Kal)." || 5 ||

Now, since the Sun is always blazing with heat, how could Maya be able to stand in his presence for the duration of the hearing? Or how could the Sun, who is in constant motion, cease his wandering to converse with Maya? Since giving [the knowledge personally] seems impossible, how could he say "I shall give"? He translates the Sun's next words:

"No one can endure my brilliance, nor have I a moment to spare.
This person, who is a partial incarnation of myself, shall relate everything to you without remainder." || 6 ||

O Maya, "this person" standing before you "shall relate" the "Science of Light" to you "without remainder," in its entirety. Now, [Maya might ask]: "Will he not speak the truth?" To this he says: "a partial incarnation of myself." He is a part of me, the Sun; meaning, he is produced from me. And so, he will speak only the truth to you, who are favored by me. By this, I...