Shambhu Hora Prakash

The Planetary Cabinet and Their Roles

The Sun is the King original: "Nrupa"; the Moon is also of royal status. Mars is the Leader of the Army original: "Sainya-neta". Mercury is known as the Prince original: "Kumara". The wise ministers are Jupiter and Venus. Saturn, the son of the Sun, is designated as the Servant original: "Sevaka". 1-2.

Physical Appearances and Deities

The colors of the planets are as follows: the Sun is copper-red; the Moon is white; Mars is deep red; Mercury is green like the blade of a durva grass; Jupiter is yellow; Venus is variegated/bright white; and Saturn is black. 4.

The presiding deities associated with the planets starting from the Sun are: Fire Agni, Water Varuna, Skanda the god of war, Vishnu, Indra, Indrani Sachi, and Brahma Virinchi. 4.

The Lords of the Directions

The lords of the directions and the planets are stated in order: Jupiter, the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, and the others. They govern the various quarters of the compass. 5.

Natural Benefics and Malefics

The Cruel original: "Krura" or "Papa" (malefic) planets are the Sun, Saturn, and Mars. Mercury is considered malefic when joined with other malefic planets. The Moon is malefic when it is waning original: "kshina". The Gentle original: "Saumya" (benefic) planets are Jupiter, Venus, the full Moon, and Mercury when it is not associated with malefics. These are considered strong when they possess their natural power. 6.

Social Orders and Castes

Jupiter and Venus are the Priests original: "Vipra" (Brahmins). Mars and the Sun are the Warriors original: "Rajanya" (Kshatriyas). The Moon and Mercury represent the Traders original: "Visha" (Vaishyas). Saturn is the lord of the Laborers original: "Shudra". Among those of mixed or low birth, Saturn is also the ruler. 7.

Genders and Primary Qualities

The male planets are the Sun, Mars, and Jupiter. The female planets are the Moon and Venus. Mercury and Saturn are considered neuter original: "shastha," often referring to eunuchs in this context. 8.

The primary qualities Gunas are assigned thus: the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter are Luminous/Pure Sattva; Venus and Mercury are Active/Passionate Rajas; and Mars and Saturn are Dark/Inert Tamas. 8.

The Seven Tastes

The tastes associated with the planets are:

• Pungent: The Sun
• Salt: The Moon
• Bitter: Mars
• Mixed: Mercury
• Sweet: Jupiter
• Sour: Venus
• Astringent: Saturn 9.

Time Periods and Realms of Existence

The planets govern various units of time: half-years, moments, days, seasons, months, and fortnights. 10.

Regarding the realms of the afterlife: Venus and the Moon lead to the Realm of the Ancestors original: "Pitri-loka". Jupiter represents Heaven original: "Svarga". The Sun and Mars lead to the world of mortals, while Saturn and Mercury lead to the Lower Realms original: "Naraka" (Purgatory/Hell). 11-12.

The zodiac signs—Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces—follow in their respective order... The text breaks off here as it begins discussing exaltation points.