Jyotirvidabharanam (Kalidasa)

Now, one might ask: if the truth was already seen and understood by the ancient sages, why is this new work necessary? Furthermore, one might argue that according to the Hemasutra original: "haimasūtreṇa," referring to the grammar rules of Hemacandra, a phonetic junction sandhi|the blending of sounds at word boundaries should not occur where there is a natural pause, thus suggesting an error in the opening. In this book, although I follow the path proclaimed by the poet Kalidasa and the great astronomer Varahamihira, I have also integrated the views of many grammarians to address the linguistic faults often found in the speech of diviners astrologers. Even if there are difficult phonetic combinations or complex words used, they are justified by the living tradition of the verse. Nevertheless, this undertaking is made strong by the grace of the illustrious Mahima Prabha Surisvara, a master who understands both his own traditions and the traditions of others.

In the composition of this work, I have consulted the following authoritative texts: the Abhidhāna Cintāmaṇi Hemacandra’s famous lexicon of synonyms, the Haima Book of Many Meanings, the Supplementary Haima Lexicon, the Mahipa Lexicons, the Medley of Multi-Meaning Sounds, various Single-Syllable Lexicons, the Ocean of Word-Jewels, the Distinction of Words, the Haima Instruction on Gender, the Great Commentary on Hemacandra, and the Ocean of Verbs. I have followed these sources according to my own limited intellect. Therefore, the wise should not be confused by my method, but should instead set aside all malice and correct any errors they find.

On the Distinction of Words

Now, for the sake of clarity of intellect, some distinctions regarding the gender and usage of words are recorded. The terms Ashvi, Ashvahasta, Shravana, Tithita, and Shravasthi are either masculine or feminine. The word Taraka star can be used in all three genders masculine, feminine, or neuter. Udu lunar mansion is feminine or neuter. Asayuk is feminine. Mrigashira is masculine or neuter. Shatabhishak is feminine. In the science of astrology, the names of the months are typically neuter. The word Punarvasu a specific Nakshatra or star cluster is used in the dual masculine. Magha and Krittika are always used in the feminine plural.

Regarding time, for the terms Ahne day, Hayana year, Varsha year, and Marute day/wind, one may use Dina, Divasa, or Vasara. The word Ahoratra a full 24-hour day and night can be masculine or neuter. Bhagana the revolution of planets through the zodiac is neuter. Jati type or classification is masculine. Sama year is feminine and optionally used in the plural. Sharad autumn is feminine. In the third group of terms, these take the second case ending. However, in the science of astrology, usage can vary; for instance, Punarvasu is sometimes seen in the singular. 1.