The Auspicious Timing of Ganpati

Mu. Ga. 10

[Bhadra occurs] on the 4th [lunar day] in the 8th yama A yama is a three-hour period; the 8th yama is the final part of the day; on the 8th day in the 1st yama; on the 11th in the 6th yama; and on the Full Moon day original: "Purnima" in the 4th yama. 18

At the very end of these periods, the last three ghatis A ghati is 24 minutes; three ghatis equal 72 minutes are known as the "Tail" original: "puccha" of the Nakshatra; these are considered auspicious. On the 3rd lunar day, it occurs in the 7th [yama]; on the 7th day, in the 2nd; on the 10th day, in the 5th; and on the 14th day, in the 4th. In the "Fortnight of Vishnu" The bright fortnight or Shukla Paksha, these times are victorious in battle, but other auspicious works should be performed elsewhere. 19

Now, the Nature and Form of Bhadra

During the ancient war between the Gods and Demons original: "Sura-Asura", she emerged from the body of Lord Shiva original: "Shambhu" to complete his work. She is the slayer of demons, possesses the face of a donkey, breathes out sparks of fire, and has three feet. 20

She has the neck of a lion, is mounted upon a donkey or "makes a terrifying braying sound", possesses seven hands, and has a slender waist. By the command of Shiva, she was appointed by the immortals to reside at the end of the Karanas. 21

She is massive, terrifying, and possesses a wide, distorted mouth; she holds a water-pot and is fearful to behold. In any undertaking, she brings fear, appearing as restless and intense as a bolt of lightning.

Now, the Exceptions to the Faults of Bhadra

If Bhadra is born in the first half of a lunar day, her effects are felt at night; if she is born in the second half, her effects are felt during the day. The "fault" of Bhadra does not apply if one's work is performed while she is "veiled" i.e., performing daytime activities during a "night-Bhadra". 22

When the Moon resides in [the zodiac signs of] Aries, Taurus, Gemini, or Scorpio, Bhadra resides in the Heavenly Realm original: "Svarloka". When the Moon is in Virgo, Sagittarius, Libra, or Capricorn, Bhadra resides in the Underworld original: "Rasatala". 23

When the Moon is in Aquarius, Pisces, Cancer, or Leo, Bhadra resides on Earth original: "Bhurloka". Only when she resides on Earth must she be strictly avoided for all tasks; when she is in Heaven or the Underworld, she is actually auspicious. 24

During the Vaidhriti or Vyatipata specific inauspicious astrological yogas, or on Sundays and Tuesdays, or during periods of "corrupt stars," even a small amount of honey-like sweetness marginal benefit becomes extremely auspicious. 25

Special Opinions Regarding Bhadra

Some teachers state that in the bright fortnight, she is known as Raviki Solar/Saturnian, and in the dark fortnight, she is Mangala Martial/Auspicious. Others say she is Sarpi Serpent-like by day and Vrischiki Scorpion-like by night. 26

One should always abandon the "Mouth" of Bhadra, but the "Tail" of Raviki is acceptable. She is considered favorable for the birth/prosperity of one's nation, the worship of the Goddess Durga, and acts of charity. 27

In tasks such as wood-cutting and similar labors, Bhadra is actually praised and considered excellent, though she remains unfavorable for other auspicious ceremonies.
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