Jyotirvidabharanam (Kalidasa)

Now, in the Vasantatilaka meter A classical Sanskrit poetic meter of 14 syllables, often used for descriptive or instructional verses, the author explains the results of the sun’s path, beginning with the words "Tonsure and Marriage." It is certain that during the Northern Path Uttarayana: the six-month period when the sun moves north of the celestial equator, considered spiritually auspicious, the "beginning" or commencement of rites such as the tonsure ceremony should take place.

By "Tonsure" (Chaula), we mean the ritual first hair-cutting of a child; "Marriage" (Upayama); "Sacrifice" (Makha); the "Investiture of the Girdle" (Mekhalabandha), which refers to the sacred thread ceremony original: "Maunjibandha"; the "Consecration of an Image" (Rupabhisheka), meaning the installation of a deity's idol; and the "Coronation of a King" (Bhupabhisheka). Because these terms are joined in a compound, the rule applies to each. Similarly, this applies to the building of "Residences" (Geha), "Habitations" (Savasatha), and the "Establishment of Villages" (Grama-pratya).

What is the contrary meaning here? When the sun is in the Southern Path Dakshinayana: the six-month period when the sun moves south, often associated with ancestral rites rather than new beginnings, the commencement of tonsure, marriage, and these other rites is not praised or considered auspicious.

This verse is skillfully composed; speak it thus.

The commencement of tonsure, marriage, sacrifice, the investiture of the sacred thread, the consecration of idols, the coronation of kings, and the building of houses and habitations should occur during the Northern Path of the sun. Otherwise, it is not recommended, unless Venus is in a pure and favorable position. 11

Starting from the Northern Solstice, the seasons of Winter (Shishira), then Spring (Madhu or Vasanta), and then Summer (Nidagha or Grishma) occur in sequence. From the Southern Solstice, the seasons of the Monsoon (Varsha), then Autumn (Sharad), and then Late Autumn (Hemanta) occur. These are the Six Seasons original: "Shad-ritu". For the "Dwellers of the Heavens" the gods, these two paths constitute a single day and night. 10

Through the Upajati meter A flexible poetic meter used for technical lists, the author describes how the Northern Path begins the day for the gods, while the Southern Path marks their night. In the middle of the text, some variations in the characters and sounds are seen due to different scribal traditions. 15

Next, using the Upajati meter, he clarifies his own view regarding the measurements of these seasons...