The Auspicious Timing of Ganpati

The Great Year original: "Brihad-vatsara" occurs in the region south of the Reva another name for the Narmada River in central India and is known as the "Manava" year by the wise. || 15 || That same year, when increased by nine, is used north of the Narmada. The Jovian year Jaivarelated to Jupiter is described according to the average transit of Jupiter original: "Vachaspati" through one zodiac sign. || 16 ||

Now, Knowledge of the Years Starting with Prabhava ||

When Jupiter original: "Guru" rises in the first quarter of the lunar mansion Dhanishtha in the month of Magha roughly January–February, then it is known that the year Prabhava—the leader of the years—begins. || 17 ||

Now, the Names of the Eras of the Years ||

In the beginning, this first year of the five-year era Yugaa small cycle of five years in this context has Agni original: "Anala" as its presiding deity. The second is called Parivatsara, whose deity is said to be the Sun original: "Bhauma," though traditionally the Sun/Arka rules the second year; Bhauma usually refers to Mars. || 18 || The third is known as Idavatsara, with the Moon original: "Soma" as its deity. The fourth is Anuvatsara, which is declared to belong to Prajapati the Creator deity. || 19 || Then there is Idvatsara, which is the fifth, and its deity is the goddess Gauri. With twelve such eras each consisting of five years, the full sixty-year cycle is completed. || 20 ||

The lords of these twelve eras are known as: Agni, Jupiter, Indra, Agni, and Tvashtri the celestial architect; || 21 || Ahirbudhnya the serpent of the depths, the Ancestors, the Universal Gods, and the Moon; || 21 || Indra, Agni, the Twin Physicians original: "Dasras" or the Ashvins, and Bhaga—these are remembered in their proper order. || Now,

The Names of the Solar Halves ||

When the Sun reaches the sign of Capricorn original: "Makara" and the five signs following it, it is the Northern Transit Uttarayanathe period when the sun moves northward in the sky. This is the "Day of the Gods," and it is praised for the performance of auspicious deeds. || 22 || In the six signs starting from Cancer original: "Karka", it is known as the Southern Transit Dakshinayanathe period when the sun moves southward. This is always called the "Night of the Gods," and here success in worldly actions is spoken of. || 23 ||

Now, the Names of the Seasons ||

These are known as Spring original: "Vasanta" and Summer original: "Grishma"; following those are Autumn original: "Sharad", Winter original: "Hemanta", and the Cool Season...