Vriddha Samhita Garga 1

The Compendium of the Elder Garga

Om. Welfare! Salutations to the illustrious Ganesha. original: "Om svasti Śrī-Gaṇeśāya namaḥ" Om. Salutations to Saraswati, the goddess of learning. original: "Om namaḥ Sarasvatyai"

Om. With palms joined in a gesture of reverence, the sage Narada A celestial sage known as the messenger of the gods asks the Elder Garga—the greatest among the twice-born, whose brilliance is equal to the sun:

The Holy Narada said:

"Tell me the true names and natures of the Lunar Mansions Nakshatras: the 27 or 28 sectors of the sky through which the Moon passes. How many types of Planets Grahas are there, and what are the Secondary Planets Upagrahas? Explain the determination of the stars and the characteristics of the Auspicious Conjunctions Yogas.

Explain the division of the zodiac signs and what the Ascendants Lagnas: the sign rising on the eastern horizon are. Speak also of the teachings of the sage Atri, the knowledge of the Auspicious Timing Bhadra-karana, the use of fried grains in rituals, the seasons, and the Auspicious Fixity Vaidhriti.

In the chapter regarding marriage, let nothing beneficial remain unsaid. All of this should be spoken with great effort solely for the benefit of humanity. This essence of the principles of Astrology is a collection of truths. Just as the soul is the essence of the person, or the Himalayas are the essence of the mountains, so is Astrology the essence of all wisdom.

Even the deeds performed in previous lives—whether good or bad—remain present in this life. It is seen that even Janaki A name for Sita, the heroine of the Ramayana, for whom the great sage Vasishtha himself selected the Ascendant The astrologically "perfect" moment for her wedding, still had to experience great suffering. I wish to hear the essence of how our actions interact with the stars; tell me, O best of sages!"

Having heard the words of Narada, the Elder Garga spoke:

The Elder Garga said:

"Listen, Narada, to the true determination of the Lunar Mansions. I shall explain them to you in sequence and with brevity.

There are 27 Lunar Mansions (or 28 when including the intercalary mansion, Abhijit).

They are:
1. Ashvini
2. Bharani
3. Krittika
4. Rohini
5. Mrigashira
6. Aridra
7. Punarvasu
8. Tishya Also known as Pushya
9. Ashlesha
10. Magha
11. Purva-phalguni
12. Uttara-phalguni
13. Hasta
14. Chitra
15. Svati
16. Vishakha
17. Anuradha