Chapter 2: With Hindi Commentary

...established. Even those who live like sages are worshipped; how much more so a Brahmin who knows the divine science? || 15 ||
One who gives predictions based on hidden tricks, sorcery, or by overhearing whispers original: "karnopashruti" - a divination technique involving listening to chance words should not be consulted; he is not a true knower of the divine. || 16 ||
He who claims to be an astrologer without knowing the scriptures is a sinner who defiles the assembly; he should be known as a "Star-Gazer" A derogatory term for a pretender who only looks at stars without scientific knowledge. || 17 ||
He who observes a fast suggested by such a "Star-Gazer" goes to the hell of "Blinding Darkness" Andhatamisra along with that pretender. || 18 ||
The predictions of the ignorant are like the accidental fulfillment of a vow made to a lump of clay at the city gate; if they come true, it is merely by chance. || 19 ||
One who makes predictions by mere luck, who is fond of interrupted or inconsistent talk, and is intoxicated by knowing only a fraction of the scripture, should be abandoned by the King. || 20 ||
But he who thoroughly understands the three branches—Horoscopy Hora: natal astrology, Mathematics Ganita: astronomy and calculations, and Natural Astrology Samhita: omens and mundane astrology—should be honored and accepted by a King desiring victory. || 21 ||
A single astrologer who knows the right time and place can achieve what a thousand elephants or four thousand horses cannot. || 22 ||
Bad dreams, evil thoughts, ill omens, and sinful deeds quickly perish upon hearing the moon's alignment with the stars from an astrologer. || 23 ||
Neither the King's father, mother, relatives, nor friends desire his fame and growth as much as a well-wishing, competent astrologer does for the King and his army. || 24 ||

Here, the definition of the first Samvatsara Royal Astrologer, that is, the Astrologer, is stated:
He should be born of a noble family, be pleasant to look at, modest in dress, truthful, not a fault-finder of others' virtues, and possess a body perfect in all limbs. He should not be physically disabled, and his hands, feet, nails, eyes, chin, teeth, ears, forehead, and head—all these parts—should be marked with excellent signs. His body should be robust and handsome, and he should have a deep, resonant voice. Such a person is fully entitled to the name "Astrologer," because generally, virtues and flaws follow the form and shape of the body. || 1 ||

He must be pure, clever, bold (meaning one who speaks well in assemblies), skilled in conversation, quick-witted, a knower of time and place, free from deceit in his heart, fearless in gatherings, and not subject to humiliation by his peers. He should be skillful and free from all types of addictions. He must be knowledgeable in the sciences of Pacification Shantik: rituals to calm evil omens, Prosperity Paushtik: rituals for growth, Exorcism Abhichara, and ritual bathing. He should be devoted to worshipping the gods, vows, and fasting. He should spread his glory by creating wonder through his astronomical calculations. He should be able to answer questions about the future and, even without being asked, should advise on pacification rituals to ward off the divine calamities arising from various portents. He must be an astrologer who knows the full meaning of all the texts including Calculations, Compendiums, and Horoscopy. || 2 ||

He must be an astrologer who knows Calculations Ganita, specifically the five systems of astronomy: Paulisha, Romaka, Vashishtha, Surya, and Paitamaha. Within these five Siddhantas scientific treatises, he must understand the divisions of time such as the Aeon Yuga, Year, Solstice, Season, Month, Fortnight, Day-and-Night, three-hour periods, Muhurta, Ghatika, Pala, breath-length Prana, Truti, and the further subdivisions of a Truti. Furthermore, he must know the divisions of space: minutes, seconds, degrees, and zodiac signs. || 3 ||

He must be an astrologer who understands the causes of the four types of months—Solar, Civil, Sidereal, and Lunar—as well as intercalary months Adhimasa and lost months Kshayamasa. || 4 ||

He must know the sixty years of the cycle beginning with Prabhava and Vibhava, and within them, the twelve-year cycles Yuga...