The Fifty-Six Verses

Shree Raghunath Sanskrit Research Institute Library,

Jammu

No. 858 — Gha The letter 'Gha' (the fourth letter of the Sanskrit alphabet) likely serves as a category or shelf marker within the library's filing system.

Title The Fifty-Six Verses original: "Ṣaṭpañcāśikā." This is a famous concise treatise on Prashna or horary astrology—the practice of predicting outcomes based on the time a question is asked.

Author Prithuyashas Prithuyashas was a celebrated 6th-century astrologer and the son of Varāhamihira, one of the most influential figures in Indian astronomy and astrology.

Extent 7 This refers to the number of folios (individual leaves) that make up this specific manuscript copy. Age 1780 This date most likely follows the Vikrama Samvat calendar, which would place the manuscript's creation around 1723–1724 CE.

Subject Astrology original: "Jyotiṣam." This term encompasses the "science of light," including astronomy, time-keeping, and omen-reading.