Jātaka-alaṅkāra (The Ornament of Astrology)

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Commentary

...this is the meaning. The use of the singular number here is intended to represent the entire class The author explains a grammatical point: by saying "the work," he refers to the entire category of such astrological knowledge. Its characteristics include the four divisions, beginning with the first, and so on. || 1 || 2 ||

Now, one might argue: just as the venerable Shridhara Svami wrote a commentary on the Bhāgavata Purāṇa, a commentary on the Jātaka of Shuka Refers to a lost or ancient prose work attributed to the sage Shuka should also be produced at the start of this undertaking. To this, the author Ganesha says: "I, named Ganesha, by the command of the illustrious Shiva likely referring to his father or teacher named Shiva, rather than the deity directly, as noted in the next phrase—who is well-versed in the Vedas and Shastras—and by the command of my Guru named Shiva, do this for your pleasure." This is the underlying sentiment. In previous times, that Jātaka (astrological system) which dropped from the mouth of the sage Shuka was in the form of prose aphorisms phakkikā: a concise, often difficult prose statement or rule. Because it lacked poetic meter, it was "deeply hidden," meaning it was exceedingly profound and difficult to grasp. I am now making that very same work lucid and clear—excellent in its determination of the most essential meanings—rendering it beautiful and radiant through the use of the Sragdharā literally "The Wreath-Bearer"; a long, complex Sanskrit poetic meter consisting of 21 syllables per line meter.

The intention is that it is most appropriate to clarify the "deeply hidden" prose aphorisms through the use of verses. What sort of person is this Ganesha? He is an astrologer daivajña: literally "one who knows the divine/fate"; a scholar of astral science and a knower of the unseen. He understands the hidden meanings and future matters related to the composition of this work. He is one whose "mind finds happiness in great fame"—that is, his intellect is satisfied by the happiness produced by his great reputation. This adjective implies his motive: that his fame is for the benefit of others as well as himself.

What is this work like? It "grants the joy of prosperity" original: śrī-harṣa-dam; it gives both wealth and happiness. It is a "place for bringing forth the auspicious"—a foundation or residence for the successful realization of joy for those with auspicious horoscopes. || 3 ||