The Sun of Auspicious Moments with the Beloved of the Sun Commentary

Salutation to Lord Ganesha, Goddess Sharada, and the Preceptors. Let there be no obstacles.

May the Sun original: "Mārtanda." This is a double-entendre referring both to the Sun deity and the title of this book, "The Sun of Auspicious Moments." protect our speech; he who, through his feet original: "pādaiḥ." In the context of the Sun, this means "rays"; in the context of the book, it means "verse quarters.", destroys the darkness of dullness. He possesses a body of many circles original: "vṛtta." For the Sun, this means the solar orb; for the book, it means poetic meters., is worthy of service, grants desires, and is the eye of the universe. ॥ 1 ॥

This verse has a dual meaning. First, regarding the Sun:
May the Sun, the divine Mārtanda, protect our speech. What is the nature of this Sun? He possesses a body that is abundant in its orb. As stated in the Smṛti Traditional legal and religious texts: "The eternal, infallible Lord, holding the conch and wheel, resides within the solar orb," and so on. The Śruti The Vedas, or revealed scripture also says: "The Person who is in this orb is Agni (Fire)," and so on. Furthermore, what is his nature? Through his "feet" (rays), he removes the darkness of dullness. "Dullness" here refers to sin or cold, and "darkness" refers to literal gloom; he removes these. Again, he is "worthy of service," meaning he is fit to be worshiped because he grants desired fruits. Being worshiped, he becomes a "giver of desires," meaning he bestows the sought-after goals. Furthermore, how is he described? He is the "eye of the universe." The universe is seen through him; thus, he is the eye of the universe. This is appropriate as he is the "eye of the world" and the "Lord of the planets," serving as the Great Illuminator.

Now, regarding the Book:
May the Mārtanda—the text Muhūrtamārtanda—protect our speech. What is its form? It has a "body" consisting of many "meters" original: "vṛtta." Specifically naming meters like Praharṣiṇī and Śārdūlavikrīḍita., as it is composed of these poetic structures. Furthermore, it "destroys the darkness of dullness through its feet." Through the "feet" (the quarters of its verses), it removes the "dullness" of ignorance original: "mūrkhattva." or lack of knowledge. Furthermore, it is "worthy of service," meaning it should be studied constantly. It is a "giver of desires" because, by providing expertise in determining auspicious moments (Muhūrta), it causes the accomplishment of desired goals. It is the "eye of the universe" because it illuminates the nature of Time. ॥ 1 ॥

I create this commentary on the Muhūrtamārtanda called the Mārtandavallabhā meaning "The Beloved of the Sun.". Having understood this, one might think they have attained a home of joy. ॥ 2 ॥

In this science, the Four Preliminary Requirements term: "Anubandha Catuṣṭaya." A standard Sanskrit scholarly convention stating the Relationship, Subject Matter, Purpose, and Eligibility before the main text. are now stated.
The Relationship is that this work is a "Limb of the Veda" (Vedāṅga) descended from Brahma and others. It was said by the sage Nārada in his own compendium (Saṃhitā):

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The science of the shining stars (Jyotiṣa) is the stainless and supreme light of the Veda. The relationship of this science is that it is a "Limb of the Veda" given by the Creator. It is also said here: "This book was composed by the wise, adopting the meaning of earlier statements."

The Subject Matter original: "Abhidheya." consists of the discussion of: avoidable lunar mansions (Nakshatras), ascendants, planetary transits, the sacraments beginning with conception, marriage, the establishment of the sacred fire, architecture, journeys, false omens, forbidden days for study, the movements of the planets, and the entry of the sun into zodiac signs (Saṅkrānti). As Nārada says: "The subject matter is the determination of the auspicious and inauspicious for the world."

The Purpose original: "Prayojana." of this is the accomplishment of various tasks through the use of auspicious moments (Muhūrtas). Or, the purpose is the attainment of liberation through its perfect knowledge.

If one asks, "Why state these things?" it is replied: People only develop an interest in a science when its relationship, subject matter, and purpose are explained. It is said: "Since the engagement of listeners is achieved by stating the relationship, therefore the relationship is stated first in all scientific treatises." If the subject matter is not stated to one who asks, the result for them would be emptiness. Until the purpose of any science or action is stated, it will not be taken up by anyone.

Now, Eligibility original: "Adhikāra."—who is authorized to study this science—is stated: Only the twice-born term: "Dvija." Historically referring to the Brahmin, Kshatriya, and Vaishya classes who underwent the sacred thread ceremony., because it is a "Limb of the Veda." Since the Veda with its six limbs must be studied and known by the twice-born. As is stated in Bhāskara’s Siddhānta Śiromaṇi A famous 12th-century astronomical work.: "Therefore, this merit-giving, secret, supreme, and sacred science must be studied by the twice-born. The man who knows the science of the stars perfectly attains Virtue, Wealth, Liberation, and Fame."

Learned authors, at the beginning of a work, perform an Invocatory Act term: "Maṅgalācaraṇa." An opening prayer to ensure the completion of the work. for the daily successful completion of the book, based on the principle that "all undertakings are enveloped by flaws as fire is by smoke" and seeking to ward off obstacles. This is supported by the Śruti (Veda) which says, "The Truth destroys sin through Dharma," and uses Vedic markers like "May Indra of great fame grant us well-being." Therefore, the Brahmin Nārāyaṇa The author of the text., with his mind fixed on the Lord, performs this salutation to his chosen deity to pacify obstacles in this compendium of the three branches of the science of the stars.