One Hundred Verses on Astrology

Having bowed to the forms of Brahma, Shiva original: "Isha", the Moon, Indra, the Sun, Fire, and the Vasus A group of elemental deities in Hindu cosmology., and having heard the sacred tradition, Maheshvara composes the Vajrashata The "Hundred Thunderbolts," likely referring to powerful astrological rules. for the success of daily religious and practical affairs. || 1 ||

Commentary:
Brahma is the well-known creator. Shiva Isha is Mahadeva. The Moon is the "Maker of Night." Indra is the well-known king of gods. The Sun is the "Maker of Day." Fire is the "Maker of Heat." The Vasus and others refer to the fierce planetary deities. Having bowed to these deities, whose form is the very essence of the sacrifice, for the success of practical affairs—specifically for the fulfillment of the duties of the twice-born The dvijati, or the three higher social classes in traditional Indian society, for whom rites of passage are mandatory. such as marriage and the sacred thread ceremony upanayana—the teacher named Maheshvara composes the work entitled the Vajrashata. || 1 ||

The technical terms for the year, season, month, day, solar day, lunar fortnight, lunar day, and the specific names of the yogas, karanas, zodiac signs, and lunar mansions—starting from the ascendant lagna—are well-known to the world. Their specific meanings should be understood through the traditions of those who know them. || 2 ||

The meaning of this is:
The Years Samvatsara are the sixty years beginning with Prabhava. The Seasons Ritu are the six beginning with the cool season Shishira. The Solstices Ayana are the southern and northern paths of the sun. The Months Masa are the twelve beginning with Chaitra Roughly March-April.. The Lords of the Day Dineshwara are the seven days of the week. The Lunar Days Tithi are the fifteen beginning with the first day of the fortnight Pratipada. The Yogas A mathematical combination of the positions of the Sun and Moon. are the twenty-seven beginning with Vishkumbha. The Karanas Half of a lunar day. are the eleven beginning with Bava.

The Zodiac Signs Rashi are the twelve beginning with Aries Mesha. The Lunar Mansions Nakshatra are the twenty-seven beginning with Ashwini. From the Ascendant Lagna onward, there are the twelve Houses Bhava, which are defined as follows:

1. The Body Tanu
2. Wealth Dhana
3. Siblings Sahaja
4. Friends/Home Suhrid
5. Children Suta
6. Enemies Ripu
7. Wife/Partner Jaya
8. Death Mrityu
9. Duty/Fortune Dharma
10. Action/Career Karma
11. Gains Aya
12. Losses Vyaya

All these technical terms are well-known in other foundational texts and should be learned there. They are not detailed extensively here for fear of making the book too long.

In auspicious actions, the following must be avoided: the "Half-Watch" Yamardha, the astrological junctions known as Vyatipata and Vaidhriti, the "Great Pestilence" Mahamari, and the "Eunuch's Weapon" Shanda-ayudha. One should also avoid times influenced by Saturn, Mars, the Sun, and Rahu The shadow planet or "ascending node" of the moon, considered an unlucky influence.. Similarly, the flaws known as Kulika and Ekargala are considered harmful. These, along with certain hours Hora, must be shunned by the wise during auspicious activities.

The "Half-Watch" Yamardha will be defined later. Vyatipata is the seventeenth Yoga. Vaidhriti is well-known. Mahamari is well-known. The "Eunuch's Weapon" will be defined later. These must be avoided in good works. Likewise, a Lunar Mansion Nakshatra joined by Saturn, Mars, the Sun, or Rahu is forbidden. Furthermore, the flaw called Kulika (whose definition follows) and the Ekargala flaw are also mentioned as things to be avoided. All these must be set aside during marriage and other auspicious ceremonies. The first three "steps" ghati of the Vishkumbha yoga...