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

Now he explains the designations of the constellations Nakshatras; the 27 or 28 divisions of the sky through which the Moon passes such as "fixed," "movable," and so on. Brahma refers to the star Rohini. What are its characteristics? It is joined with the three Uttaras the constellations Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha, and Uttara Bhadrapada. The combination of these three Uttara stars along with Rohini is remembered by the lords of the sages as having the name Fixed original: "sthiram" or Constant original: "dhruvam".

Next, the three Purvas Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, and Purva Bhadrapada, Magha, and Bharani—these five are called Cruel original: "kruram" or Aggressive original: "ugram".

The three stars beginning with Shravana Shravana, Dhanishtha, and Shatabhisha, along with Aditi the star Punarvasu and Swati, are called Movable original: "charakhya" or Unsteady original: "chala". This group of five is known for its shifting nature.

This is the meaning of what was stated. The group consisting of Dasra Ashwini, Arka Hasta, Abhijit the intercalary 28th star often used in Muhurta, and Ijya the star of Jupiter, Pushya—these four are called Light original: "laghu" or Swift original: "kshipra".

Maitra Anuradha, the Final one Revati, Indu Mrigashira, and Tvashtra Chitra—these four are called Soft original: "mridu" or Friendly original: "maitra".

The star of Agni Krittika and Vishakha—these two are called Mixed original: "mishra" or Ordinary original: "sadharana". 2

Mula is well known; Ahi is Ashlesha; Indra is Jyeshtha; and Shiva is Ardra. These four are called Dread original: "daruna" or Sharp original: "tikshna".

In this world, regarding these stars designated as "Fixed" and so on, the learned original: "panditah" perform actions that correspond to the name of the star. For what purpose? For the successful accomplishment of their goals. This means that one should perform "fixed" actions (like the consecration of a building) during "fixed" stars, and "movable" actions during "movable" stars. This is clear. The use of two names for the same meaning here is done to enhance the poetic quality of the verse.

In this context, he also states the "fixed" and other designations for the Sun and other planets, as well as their status as benefic or malefic. The Sun is fixed; the Moon is unsteady; Mars is aggressive; Mercury is mixed (depending on its associations); Jupiter is swift; Venus is soft; and Saturn is dread.

Now he identifies the malefic and benefic planets: the Waning Moon from the eighth day of the dark fortnight to the first day of the light fortnight, the Sun, Saturn original: "yama", Mars original: "ara", Rahu, and Ketu original: "shikhi".

These mentioned beginning with the Waning Moon are Malefics original: "papah" or Cruel. Mercury joined with these malefics also becomes a malefic. As stated in the Jatakottama: "The Waning Moon, the Sun, Saturn, and Mars are malefics. Mercury is a benefic unless joined with a malefic. Rahu and Ketu are even more malefic, especially when joined with other malefics." This implies that the others are Benefics original: "saumya". Their purpose is to determine the success of cruel or gentle deeds. 3

Now, in connection with the constellations, he uses a single verse to state the presiding deities of the portions of the day and night Muhurta; a unit of time approximately 48 minutes long, which are used for achieving all works. There are 15 such divisions original: "lavas" of the day. They are: 1. Shiva, 2. the Serpent Sarpa, 3. Mitra, 4. the Ancestors Pita, 5. the Vasus, 6...