Jyotirvidabharanam (Kalidasa)

...as cited in the singular form according to the rules of grammar. For the planet Venus, the terms Bhrigu, Bhriguna, Kavi, Kavija, and Kavya are used as synonyms original: "ādi-śabda-paryāyāḥ"; these names all relate to the sage Bhrigu or the word for "poet," which are traditional Sanskrit epithets for Venus. Regarding the zodiac sign of Gemini, there are linguistic variations such as Jitama or Jitma. For the planet Mercury at its rising, the synonyms are Viduta, Bodhana, and Jña these names mean "the wise" or "the awakened one".

The Special Names of the Twelve Zodiac Signs

Now, the author speaks of the specific names for the twelve signs:

1. Kriya Aries
2. Tauri Taurus
3. Jitama Gemini
4. Kulira Cancer
5. Leya Leo
6. Pathona Virgo
7. Juka Libra
8. Kaurpya Scorpio
9. Tautpika Sagittarius
10. Akokero Capricorn
11. Hridroga Aquarius
12. Chanyibha Pisces

These names are fascinating because they are Sanskrit transliterations of the Greek names for the zodiac signs (e.g., Kriya from 'Krios', Tauri from 'Tauros', Akokero from 'Aigokeros'), reflecting the deep historical exchange between Hellenistic and Indian astrology.

Among these, he provides another classification: Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Aquarius are known by the technical name Shirshodaya|signs that rise head-first on the eastern horizon.

Classifications of the Birth Chart

Now he explains the technical terms for the houses within the Bhava Kundali|the birth chart or house-wheel:

• The 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses are called Kendra, Kantaka literally "thorns", or Radha.
• The 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses are known by the name Panaphara|succedent houses, from the Greek 'panaphora'.
• The 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th houses are known as Apoklima|cadent houses, from the Greek 'apoklima'.

Having understood the nature of the twelve signs and houses, I now compose this explanation of the signs using excellent speech. Following the many established opinions of Varahamihira and other ancient masters, I create this Ornament of Astrologers (Jyotirvidābharaṇa) for the benefit of the virtuous.

The author also provides names for the houses based on their association with the "Universal Person" Kala Purusha:

• House 1: The Head.
• Houses 10, 11, and 12: The Eyes.
• Houses 11 and 12: The Nostrils.
• The Support: The Cheeks.
• Houses 4, 5, and 6: The Jaw.
• House 3: Associated with the ears or arms?.

Furthermore, houses 3, 6, 10, and 11 are specifically called Upachaya|houses of increase or improvement. These definitions are given specifically following the tradition of the Vriddha Jataka an ancient and authoritative foundational text on horoscopy. To avoid confusion regarding the subject matter, I state the name of this work: I am composing the Jyotirvidābharaṇa. I do this by integrating many "excellent sayings"—meaning pleasant and truthful words—and the views of Varahamihira and others. I have undertaken this because I have found the explanations of others regarding the signs to be lacking in the true essence of knowledge. Through this orderly sequence, I shall clarify what was previously expressed poorly by others.