1. A.K. Ayer_Shatpancasika _Indian Horary astrology_lost objects

V.A.K. AYER

INDIAN HORARY ASTROLOGY

BASED ON THE SHATPACHASIKA OF PRITHUYASAS, ADAPTED FOR MODERN TIMES

TARAPOREVALA 210 Dr. D. Naoroji Road, Bombay 400 001

INDIAN HORARY ASTROLOGY

No wonder Horary Astrology is so popular today in these days of high-speed living as it gives immediate answers to questions about life's problems, like best times for achieving successful results in busineas, professional or daily life. Questions about the right time for getting a job, starting a business, about welfare of friends and relatives, about the outcome of work in hand. It is devoted to answering questions impromptu without reference to natal horoscopes which may not always be available. Its value to the busy man or woman of today is thus unquestionable. Perhaps the best known of the Sanskrit classics on Horary Astrology is Shatpachasika of Prithuyasas, probably dating to the last quarter of the sixth century. Its authority, versatility and authenticity are unquestioned. And here at last is an authentic and very readable translation of this classic. Not only has the author given the Sanskrit verses and their literal translation, but has adapted the teachings of the ancient verses to make the text suitable for modern times. And there lies the true value of this translation. This has never been done before. And the author has succeeded at the same time in removing many of the doubts in astrological reasoning and has successfully directed the rules of astrological prediction along the mainstream of modern life. With the help of this book, the practising astrologer will be able to answer any question, on any situation or problem, that may be put to him - instantly and convincingly. A very useful and practical addition to the book is a classified Index giving where the right answer ean be found to any question asked. The author is a deeply experienced practising astrologer and scholar, with many suiccessful books to his credit. The present work is a great and long awaited addition to the literature on Indian astrology. T S.BOOKSHOP L$ 7.00 TEL. 650 3955

PREFACE

The present text is one of the most popular and practical manuals on Horary Astrology. Written by Prithuyasas, son of the celebrated Varahamihiracharya of Hora fame, its authority and authenticity too are unquestioned. So much so, verses from it are quoted by classical commentators and, indeed, have become 'household words', constantly on the lips of practising astrologers for several centuries now. It is a measure of its greatness that Bhattotpala, the famous commentator of Hora, has rendered a lucid Sanskrit commentary on this work too despite the fact that he himself had authored a similar work on horary astrology, Prasnagyana. He reveres Prithuyasas by calling him 'Acharya'. The present work derives its name Shatpanchasika because it consists of 56 verses; the term just means that. The word Prithuyasas means far-famed. Probably the author was so, and the adulatory epithet stuck to him as an effective name. There are no clues as to whether he had an original name. A.A. Macdonnel records from textual evidence that Varahamihira died in A.D. 587. If that is accepted, Prithuyasas can safely be assigned the sixth century. A major work of his is Horasara consisting of nearly 1,200 verses divided into 22 chapters. By admission, it is a gloss on his father's magnum opus, Hora or Brihajjataka. In that work, he has introduced quite a few innovations in the art of prediction. The present work is of a piece with it in its innovative character. It bespeaks eloquently not only of his grasp of the subject but also in the adroit use of its fundamental principles in solving problems arising in day-to-day life. In thus tackling every conceivable situation, this work has few rivals, especially those relevant to modern conditions. As the descriptive contents will show, the application of principles adumbrated are unlimited and for the modern student the work is a god-send. My object in venturing on this publication is to present it to young students in their own idiom, so they can master this branch.of astrology. Its capsule form is eminently suited to learn the original by rote for effective practice.

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In my notes I have tried to remove some of the cobwebs of astrological thought so that the student of today can get a clear vision of what the masters really meant and said. In the translation and notes I have taken for granted a basic knowledge of Indian astrology on the part of the reader or I would ask him to study first my earlier work Everyday Astrology or other standard works. If as a result of studying this book the reader is able to solve successfully everyday problems of his and his friends, my labours would have been richly rewarded.

VIJAYA DASAMI, 1985 AUTHOR Bombay

DESCRIPTIVE CONTENTS

Chapter I HORADHYAYA Verses 13

1. Prayer to the Sun-god. The author's credentials, the subject, object and nature of the work. 2. Significance of Chyuti, Vriddhi, Pravasa and Nivritti. 3. Criterion for prosperity of Bhavas. 4. When actions succeed with ease, with difficulty and when not. 5. Combination for the speedy recovery of lost objects. 6. Clues for the identification of objects under broad categories: Dhatu, Mula and Jeeva. 7. Another clue for identifying the nature of objects under query. Qs. Model questions.

Chapter 2 GAMAAGAMADHYAYA Verses .21 *

1. Clues for Sthana, Gamana, Aagamana, death, loss, recovery from illness and humiliation. Effects when fixed signs arise. 2. Same when mutable signs arise. Effect of benefics aspecting Lagna and the Moon. 3. Conditions for the enemy returning home: (a) midway (b) after defeat. 4. Conditions for the enemy's defeat and the manner of his flight. 5. Conditions for a happy journey. 6. Clues for finding out whether the enemy will actually arrive or not. 7. Conditions for the enemy to give up the expedition even when far advanced.

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8. Conditions for enemy beating a retreat mid-stream and for his defeat. 9. Conditions for leaving at an early date and its opposite. 10. Conditions for no-movement, meeting the enemy and the latter fleeing. 11. Clues for early arrival and non-arrival. 12. Combinations for the quick departure of the enemy. 13. Combinations for the enemy starting but stopping en route; also for straight arrival. 14,15 In how many months will the expected person arrive? 16. Clue to the number of days within which the enemy can be expected. Qs. Model Questions.

Chapter 3 JAYAAPAJAYAADHYAYA Verses .29

1. Combination for the success and failure of the king. 2. Combination for the safety and benefit of citizens and those of the invader. 3. Conditions for the signing of peace treaty and its breakdown. 4. Conditions for settlement of conflicts. 5. Conditions for the safe return of contingents from abroad. Qs. Model Questions.

Chapter 4 SUBHAASUBHAADHYAYA Verses 33

1. Omnibus solution for all-round success and its opposite. 2. Combination for gain in ventures and the opposite. 3. Combination for reaching high position, fame and money and their deterrents. 4. Combination for receiving benefits from a woman; for general success of undertakings, and their failures. 5. Combination for spelling out recovery from illness. Qs. Model Questions.

Chapter 5 PRAVASA-CHINTAADHYAYA Verses 37

1. Significators for return of person gone abroad; his early return; recovery of lost property. 2. Combination for return of person from afar or abroad. 3. Combination for return of person with safety, profit. 4. Combination for punishment, imprisonment, moving into another country, death overseas, for being robbed or cheated. 5. Combination for reckoning the days for a person to arrive and for his return. Qs. Model Questions.

Chapter 6. NASHTA-PRAAPTIADHYAYA Verses 41 1. Combination for an article being stolen by one's own relative and hidden in the same precincts. 2. Combination for the object being hidden in the threshold, central hall or backyard. 3. Combination for the early recovery of a stolen object. 4. Direction and distance of where the lost object has been taken. Qs. Model Questions.

Chapter 7 MISRAKAADHYAYA Verses 45

1. Combination to answer if the expected child is male or female; whether a bride or a groom will soon be forthcoming. 2. Another set of combinations for a girl's early marriage. 3. Forecasting rain. 4. Another set of combinations for rain. 5. Whether it is a boy or girl or delivery not-yet taken place. 6. Combination for identifying-sweetheart, thief, one ill or lost; as a baby girl; unmarried girl; elderly lady; a mother; a passionate woman. 7,8. Identifying whether the question relates to oneself,

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his brother, son, mother, sister, enemy, wife, a dharmic matter, boss, father or preceptor. 9. Another clue for going abroad or return. 10. Clue to man's sex proclivities-with another's wife, own, courtesan, low-caste woman and the aged. 11. Clue to the state of health of a person abroad. 12. Clue to whereabouts of father. 13. All about thefts; nature of article; the thief -- his age, caste, etc., direction and present location of stolen article, etc. Qs. Model Questions.

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN

Chapter I Accommodation, getting 13 - 20 Action, success of contemplated Bhavas, prosperity of Business, success in Cattle, recovery of Comforts, chances of Credit, restoration of Deprivation, of job, etc. Deviation, from position Dhatu (metal) Friends Grace, fall from Growth, chances of Happiness, chances of House, chances of owning Jeeva (living things) Job, change of Job, loss of Mula (vegetation) Objects, identification of Place, change of Property, owning Proposition, success of Recovery, from illness Recovery, of jewels Recovery, of missing child Rehabilitation, chances of Returning, of person abroad Scandal, removal of Slipping, from position. Slipping, while walking. Visa, for going abroad. Chapter 2 Abroad, return from 21-28 Abroad, success

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Action, contemplated Arrival Bon Voyage Court case, winning of. Death, fear of Departure, for home Defeat, chances of Disease, cure of Defeat, of opponent Election, competitor's chances Election, defeat of opponent Election, result of Election, success in Election, withdrawal by opponent Examination, success in Enemy, arrival of Enemy, beating a retreat Enemy, defeat of Enemy, departure of Enemy, evil intentions of Enemy, flight of Enemy, non-arrival of Enemy, non-starter Enemy, stopped en route Enemy, time of arrival Enemy, turns back in middle Foreign land, success in Going abroad, chances of Green card, holder of Home, return to House, going away from Humiliation Job, competition in Job, high salaried Journey, abroad Journey, return from Leaving Loss Lost property, gaining of Personal problem, solution to Pilgrimage Position, gain of Reputation

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Residence, gain of Return, from abroad Return, time of Safety, of people abroad Sthana, gain of Stay Survival, from illness Thief, scared by Travel, chances of Travel, harm in Travel, success in Venture, success in

Chapter 3 Competitive effort, success in 29-31 Conflict of interest, termination of Election, as Mayor, C.M., P.M., President, success in Enemy, return of Examination, success in Feuds, reconciliation of Fray, return to Invader, success of Negotiation, success of Return, from abroad Settlement, of scores Tension, ease of Wars, success in Chapter 4 Adversity 33-35 Efforts, destruction of Fame Fear High post, chances of Illness, recovery from Inheritance, chances of Money, destruction of New business, prospects of Position, official Property, chances of gaining Prosperity, beginning of Scrips, investment in

Wealth Woman, benefit from " Chapter 5 Illness, early recovery from 37-39 Lost property, recovery of Person abroad, dead Person abroad, moved to another country Person abroad, punished Person abroad, under duress Return from abroad, number of days to take Return, with profit Return, safely Chapter 6 Article stolen, by others 41- 43 Article stolen, by relative Article stolen, hidden in backyard Article stolen, in central part Atticle stolen, in threshold Article stolen, direction where hidden Article stolen, distance where hidden : Article stolen, recovery of Missing son, safety of Missing son, where and how far distant now Chapter 7 Ailing person, character of 45-50 Bride, prospects of gaining Brother abroad, state of Expected child, sex of Father abroad, state of Lost object, description Groom, prospects of getting Marriage, failure of proposal Marriage, success of proposal Pregnancy,chances of Query, relates to brother Query, relates to enemy Query, relates to dharma Query, relates to father Query, relates to going abroad Query, relates to preceptor Query, relates to return from abroad Query, relates to son Rains, chances of Kains, in black half of month Rains, in white half of month

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Sex relation with, another's wife Sex relation with, low caste woman, Sex relation with, middle-aged woman Sex relation with, old woman Sex relation with, young woman Sex relation with, prostitute Sex relation with, own wife Sister abroad, change of place Son abroad, change of place Stolen article, chances of recovery Stolen article, description of Stolen article, place hidden Thief, age of Thief, caste of Thief, reiation Thief, short Thief, tall Theft, time of Your fancy, a baby girl/boy Your fancy, elderly woman/man Your fancy, a mother/father Your fancy, passionate woman/man

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Chapter 1 HORADHYAYA GENERAL PRINCIPLES

प्रणिपत्य रवि मूर्ध्ना वराहमिहिरात्मजेन पृथुयशसा । प्रश्ने कृतार्थगहना परार्थमुद्दिश्य सद्यशसा ।।1।।

Translation After prostrating at the feet of Sun-god this work on horary astrology, full of hidden meaning, has been written by Prithuyasas, justly famous son of Varahamihira, for the benefit of humanity. Notes In this verse in Arya metre, the author prays to Sun-god, the presiding deity of astrology, at the beginning. In so doing he closely follows the footsteps of his venerable father Varahamihira who is considered to be an incarnation of Sun-god. The statement appearing in the third person is characteristic of the humility of our ancient authors and the Sanskrit language itself.

च्युतिर्विलग्नाद्धिबुकाच्च वृद्धि - र्मध्यात्प्रवासोSस्तमयान्निवृत्तिः । वाच्यं ग्रहैः प्रश्नविलग्नकाला - द्गृहं प्रविष्टो हिबुके प्रवासी ।।2।।

Translation Chyuti should be predicated from the ascendant, Vriddhi from the fourth house, Pravasa from the tenth and Nivritti from the seventh. All these from the ascendant and other planetary positions at the time of the query. One returns from abroad, with a planet's occupation of the fourth house. Notes This verse in Upajati metre teaches how to tackle the quartet of

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problems: Chvuti, Vriddhi, Pravasa and Nivritti. The word Chyuti means slipping; here change of place, fall from grace, deviation, loss, deprivation, etc. Incidentally, Vishnu is called Achyuta because He does not let down his devotees. Sthana-chyuti is a problem often met with. It has to be answered in affirmative when (a) the ascendant is moveable and (b) occupied or aspected by its lord or benefics and unoccupied and unaspected by malefics. If the lagna be fixed, even when not afflicted by a malefic by aspect or company, change does not take place. In the case of common signs the preponderance of beneficial influences on the ascendant will mean change and if the converse, it should be replied in the negative. :Now in horary astrology, the ascendant is arrived at in a number of ways. Personally, this writer would recommend raising a full chart for the moment of query, especially as the verse uses the term प्रश्नविलग्नकालात Other means are by cowries, asking person name a number, (c) touch the chart, etc. In all these, the principle is to arrive at a starting point and the student can choose that method which suits him best. One cannot help remarking that the grace of the Guru and/or of the patron deity will be a great asset in this matter. Vriddhi has relation to home, property, happiness, success, growth, friends, etc. These prosper when the fourth house is aspected or occupied by its lord or benefics and unspoiled by other planetary dispositions. Pravasa is leaving, going away from home, abroad, etc. Now this will take place only when the tenth house is moveable and by aspect of malefics,and not when by own lord or benefics. Nivritti is return from journey or life abroad in the first instance. We have to examine the seventh house for this issue. Keturn is indicated when the seventh is moveable and is aspected by own lord or benefics and it does not take place when aspected by malefics. Now, the house of Nivritti is so widely used that for the fulfilment of almost all desirable events it is examined. Here for instance is a query: Q. Someone, I suspect, is trying falsely to implicate me in a scandal. How far is this true? What will be the result? Ans: Here is the chart raised for the time of the query, lagna being arrived at by the cowrie method.

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KE TU JUP

LAG RAHU SAT

MARS MER SUN VEN

MOON

Let us examine Vriddhi first: fourth house contains both lagna and fourth lords and Jupiter aspects it. The first answer is that the result will be completely favourable to the querist. Nivrittisthan, although occupied by Ketu is aspected by its lord Saturn. Hence, the suspicion is confirmed, but it cannot make any headway thus leading to a favourable result. Finally, the person from abroad has come home when the fourth house contains its own lord or is aspected by it and not otherwise. It has taken as many days as the above planet has been there. Equally, he will return in as many days as the planet takes to enter or aspect the fourth. The above rules and their effects may be tabulated and kept ready for reference.

यो यो भाव:स्वामिद्टष्टो युतो वा सौम्यैर्वा स्यात्तस्य तस्याSस्ति वृद्धिः। पापैरेवं तस्य भावस्य हानि - निर्देष्टव्या पृच्छतां जन्मतो वा ।।3।।

Translation Bhavas aspected or occupied by their lords or benefics prosper. Malefics so doing or so placed harm the bhavas. This rule applies equally to the horary and birth charts.

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Notes This verse is on the lips of all astrologers, although only an expansion of Varahamihira's cryptic statement, होरास्वामि गुरूज्ञ वीक्षितयुता नान्यैश्च वीर्योत्कटा।

Kalyanavarma too underscores this principle thus:

आत्मीयनाथ वष्ट सहितस्तेनैव तत्प्रियैर्वापि। शशिसुतजीवाभ्यामपि राशिर्बलवान्नचेच्छेषैः ।।

Rasis become strong when aspected or occupied by own lords or their friends, and Mercury and Jupiter too but not by others. The problem that now arises is this: which are the benefic and malefic planets? Does the statement connote natural benefics and malefics or functional benefics and malefics? Bhattotpala takes them as natural benefics. बुधगुरुशुक्रपूर्णचन्द्र and malefics: रविक्ररयुतबुधभौम सौरिक्षीणचन्द्र and quotes Laghu Jataka:

पुष्णन्ति शुभा: भावांस्तन्वादीन् जन्ति संस्थिता: पापाः । सौम्या: षष्ठेSरिजा: सर्वे नेष्टा: व्ययाष्टमगाः ।

Benefics strengthen bhavas and malefics destroy. Benefics kill enemies in sixth and none are good in 8th and 12th. Let us analyse our textual verse now. The first quarter makes it clear that for any bhava its lord is benefic, irrespective of whether he is natural malefic or natural benefic. Call this Rule 1 .. The second quarter says that benefics too aspecting or occupying bhavas also do good to them. Call this Rule 2. It follows that with respect to the well-being of each bhava, rule 1 and rule 2 are identical. Logically even malefics can turn benefic if functionally so and of course strong. It all resolves to this: what is really meant by this verse is functional benefics and functional malefics only and not in the absolute sense. Jupiter is a natural benefic but for Capricorn he is lord of third and twelth and when posited in it is debilitated too. Consequently he cannot become a benefic to it; he becomes a functional malefic. Mars is a natural malefic, but for Leo he is Yoga Karaka. Hence his. occupation of Leo will only make him a functional benefic for Leo, provided he is strong, and not a malefic. Hence the word qrd: only

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means functional malefic and not natural malefics. Here is a brain-twister: what happens when the sixth, eignth or twelfth is occupied or aspected by its own lord? Do they aggravate or reduce their evil indications? It should not be difficult to answer this. Following the above logic, the lords of these bhavas, strong and declared for that reason functional benefics, their occuption should only lead to (a) lessening the evil tendencies and (b) augmentation of benefic effects. Sixth house for instance stands for debt, disease, maternal uncle, employers, food, etc. The first two should decrease and the others prosper. You will understand the effect better when you imagine a functional malefic occupy them, when evil propensities will be magnified, and benefic ones quashed. This criterion should be used in judging all problems including those raised in verse 2.

सौम्ये विलग्ने यदि वास्य वर्गे शीर्षोदये सिद्धमुपैति कार्यम् । अतो विपर्यस्तमसिद्धिहेतु: कृच्छ्रेण संसिद्धिकरं विमिश्रम् ।।4।।

Translation When a benefic occupies lagna or when lagna happens to fall in a benefic's varga, be it a Seershodaya sign, the object of the query will be fulfilled. Should it be the reverse, it does not conduce to success. Should it be mixed, the result too will be mixed. Notes Lagna, Hora, Drekkhana, Navamsa, Dwadasamsa and Trimsamsa are the main vargas. Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius and Capricorn are Prishtodayas; Pisces is Ubhayodaya and the rest - Gemini, Leo, Libra and Scorpio - are Seershodayas. While Bhattotpala takes the benefics as natural benefics, it would appear logical to take functional benefics alone as such and vice versa, but there is no dispute about rasis. Proposition succeeds when (1) Lagna is occupied by benefic or falls in a benefic varga; (2) Seershodaya sign. It succeeds with difficulty when, say (1) and (2) are mixed; (3) Benefic and malefic occupy Seershodaya lagna; (4) Ubhayodaya Pisces rises. In such cases, preponderance of benefic influence will decide the issue. These results too can be neatly tabulated and preserved for ready reference.

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होरास्थितः पूर्णतनुः शशाड्को जीवेन दृष्टो यदि वा सितेन। क्षिप्रं प्रणषृस्य करोति लब्धि लाभोपयातो बलवाञ्छुभश्च ।।5।।

Translation When the full-moon occupies lagna, and is aspected by Jupiter or Venus; or a strong benefic occupies eleventh house - the object lost is quickly recovered. Notes The Moon can be deemed full between the tenth of the bright half to the fifth of the dark half. He need not necessarily be the full-moon. Benefic here again is the functionally benefic planet and its strength is reckoned from its positional, motional and other standards. Bhattotpala points out that the use of yadi-va and cha imply quick recovery.

स्वांशे विलग्ने यदि वा त्रिकोणे स्वांशे स्थितः पश्यति धातुचिन्ताम् । परांशकस्थश्च करोति जीवं मनं परांशोपगतः परांश्षम् ॥।6।

Translation The object thought of is Dhatu when the planet occupying own navamsa, aspects own navamsa in lagna or its trines. It is Jeeva when the said planet occupies other's navamsa but aspects in lagna or its trines its own; and Moola,when it occupies and also aspects other navamsas there. Notes This verse provides us an apparatus for identifying the nature of the object of query under the broad categories: Dhatu-metals and minerals; Jeeva-living things from man to worms; and Moola- vegetative life from trees to grass. It follows that navamsa charts play an important role. The nature of the signs and planets should help narrow down and clinch the issue. For instance, Kataka, Makara and Meena are watery signs and should the indication be Moola, one can narrow it down to water-grown and not land-grown. In the example, no planet occupies his own navamsa (chart not given). Mercury occupies Mars' house in navamsa and aspects

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Taurus, house of another planet. So it is Moola. Being ruled by Venus, it may be a flower.

धातुं मूलं जीवमित्योजराशौ युग्मे विन्द्यादेतदेव प्रतीपम् । लग्ने यो शस्तत्क्रमाद् गण्य एव संक्षेपोSयं विस्तरात्तत्प्रभेदः ।।7।।

Translation In odd signs count the navamsas as Dhatu, Moola, Jeeva and in even signs count in the reverse order. Counting should begin from the first navamsa of the rising sign at the time. This is in a nutshell. Details should be learnt. Notes The author gives here another method of identifying an object. Should Mesha for instance rise, the first navamsa is Dhatu, the second Jeeva, and the third Moola. If Vrishabha (Taurus) rises, it being an even sign, the first navamsa Capricorn indicates Jeeva, the second Moola and the third Dhatu, etc. We can compile a table thus:

Navamsa Odd Sign Even Sign

1,4,7 Dhatu Jeeva 2,5,8 Moola Moola 3,6,9 Jeeva Dhatu

Some treat the Drekkhana rising in odd and even signs as Dhatu, Moola, Jeeva and its reverse respectively/ But Bhattotpala points out that Prithuyasas does not approve of it, because later on in our text he says one should divine the object through navamsa.

इति वराहमिहिरात्मजपृथुयशोविरचितायां षट्पञ्चाशिकायां होराध्यायोनाम प्रथम: समाप्तः ।

Translation Thus ends the first chapter Horadhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas, son of Varahamihira. Model Questions Answers to the questions posed will have to be derived from the rules given in the relative verse.

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Verse

2. Chyuti Is a change of job imminent? Will I lose my job? Will I be transferred? Vriddhi Can I hope to own a house? Will my accommodation problem be solved soon? Will I buy property? Will 1 enjoy comforts? Pravasa Will my contemplated journey materialise? What are the chances of my going abroad? Can I undertake the pilgrimage? Can I leave this city for good? Nivritti When will my son return from overseas? Can I hope to return home and settle down there? I am expecting the return of my wife: will it take place soon? In how many days? Will my personal problem be solved soon? Will the stolen object be recovered? Will the missing child be recovered? Will one recover from his illness? Will he rehabilitate himself soon? Will my credit be fully restored? 4. l have started a new business; will it succeed? I am thinking of going abroad; will I succeed? I want to buy a property; will I succeed? Will my contemplated action bring about desired results? 5. I lost my passport during transit; will I be able to recover it? My child is missing; will he be quickly found? Some jewels are missing from home; will I recover them soon? My cattle have strayed away from home; will they be recovered? 6. Can you describe the nature of the object lost?

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Chapter 2 GAMAAGAMAADHYAYA ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE

वृषसिंहवृश्चिकघटैविद्धि स्थानं गमागमौ न स्तः। न मृतं न चापि नष्टं न रोगशान्तिर्न चाभिभवः ।।।।।:

Translation Should Vrishabha (Taurus), Simha (Leo), Vrischika (Scorpio) or Ghata (Kumbha) rise, gain of place or residence (Sthana labha) is indicated; neither departure nor arrival. No death. No loss. No cure of disease and no defeat (humiliation). Notes This verse gives the clue to find out the answer to a package of questions. It will be noticed that all the four lagnas are fixed signs. If therefore the question relates to the acquisition of a dwelling place, landing a job, acquiring a green card, etc., any one of the four signs rising indicates a positive result. If the question relates to travel, i.e., departure or arrival, the reply should be in the negative. If it relates to a possible fear of death, the reply is in the negative. If it relates to lost property, the reply again is reassuring, it is hidden from view, possibly misplaced inadvertently. If it relates to a person abroad, he has not lost his place or job there; if it is a missing person, he is not gone abroad or far away, nor dead. If it relates to ill-health, its cure is doubtful. Even so, on questions relating to one's honour and reputation or defeat, fixed signs rising ensure safety.

तद्विपरीतं तु चरै द्विशरीरैमिश्रितं फलं भवति। लग्नेन्द्वोर्वक्तव्यं शुभवृष्ठया शोभनमतोऽन्यत् ।।2।।

Translation Should the rising sign be moveable, the result will be the opposite. If mutable signs, the result will be mixed. Benefic aspects to the lagna

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and the Moon-lagna will ensure a happy result and of others, adverse results. Notes In this verse in Arya metre, the author discusses other lagnas. For example, should Mesha, a moveable lagna rise, the person has not arrived; he is moving; he will not get the position or home desired; his chances of recovery are good, etc .; object lost is irrecoverable; humiliation is certain. In the case of mutable signs, Bhattopala makes it clear in his Prasnagyana that should the rising cusp fall in the first half, it will partake of the effect of a fixed sign being by its side and the second will partake of the effect of moveable signs for the same reason. Coming to aspects, should both benefics and malefics apply, the effect will be mixed in character. We can tabulate the rules and results from these two verses for ready reference.

सुतशनरुगतैः पापैः शत्रुर्मार्गान्निवर्तते। चतुर्थगैरपि प्राप्तः शत्रुर्भग्नो निवर्तते ॥3॥

Translation Malefics occupying fifth and/ or sixth houses indicate that the enemy turns back home midway. When these malefics occupy the fourth house, after arriving, the enemy will return defeated. Notes Here too benefics and malefics should be judged by their functional character, although Bhattotpala mentions the Sun, Mars and Saturn specifically as evil. Questions relating to evil intentions on the part of the enemy are also covered by this dictum. Results of an election can be covered by this verse:

झषालिकुम्भकर्कटा रसातले यदा स्थिताः । रिपोः पराजयस्तदा चतुष्पदैः पलायनम् ।।4।।

Transalation Should Meena (Pisces), Vrischika (Scorpio), Kumbha (Aquarius) or Kataka (Cancer) be the fourth from the rising lagna, defeat of the enemy is indicated. Should this fourth house be one of Chatushpada signs, the enemy will flee from the battle-field. Notes Chatushpada or four-footed signs are: Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Simha (Leo) and the second half of Dhanus (Sagittarius).

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The word Chatushpada can also be interpreted differently. In olden times, the army had four wings: Ratha, Gaja, Turaga, and Padati. Of these, Gaja and Turaga are four-footed and hence it may be interpreted to mean them and argued that the enemy will flee with them. By application, it may also be taken that in the case of modern man, the enemy will be driven away by animals like dogs or flee in four-wheelers! This verse too can be used for elections.

चरोदये शुभ: स्थितः शुभं करोति यायिनाम् । अशोभनैरशोभनं स्थिरोदयेSपि वा शुभम् ॥।5।

Translation When moveable signs rise and be occupied by benefics, it does good to the intending traveller. (The object of the journey is fulfilled.) The same signs occupied by malefics cause harm to him. When fixed signs rise and malefics occupy them, the traveller fares well too. Notes There is an alternate version of the word Sthirodayepi as Sthire ashtamepi meaning that even if the eighth house contains a malefic, provided it is a fixed sign, it does good. Here again the functionally benefic character of the planets should be taken into consideration for success.

स्थिरे शशी चरोदये न चागमो रिपोर्यदा। तदागमं रिपोर्वदेद् विपर्यये विपर्ययम् ।16।।

Translation When a moveable sign rises and the Moon occupies fixed sign, the enemy will not come. His arrival should be predicted when the positions are reversed. Notes This verse relates to reported-movements of enemies. The contra- indication referred to above consists in a fixed sign rising and the moon occupying a moveable sign. स्थिरे तु लग्नमागते द्विरात्मके तु चन्द्रमाः । निवर्तते रिपुस्तदा सुदूरमागतोSपि सन् ।।7।।

Translation Should a fixed sign rise and the Moon occupy a mutable one, the enemy beats a retreat even if he had far advanced.

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Notes In the matter of enemy movement, the author examines the different combinations and interprets them. This is one combination and more combinations are referred to in the following verse.

चरे शशी लग्नगतो द्विदेहः पथोरSर्धमागत्य निवर्तते रिपुः । विपर्यये चागमनं द्विधा स्या - त्पराजय: स्यादशुभेक्षिते तु ।।8।।

Translation When mutable lagna rises and the Moon occupies moveable sign, the enemy returns after marching half the distance. When it is the opposite, offensive will be weak for one. His arrival is certain; but should the two be aspected by malefics, defeat to the querist is certain. Notes By opposite is meant that moveable lagna rises and the Moon occupies mutable sign. Here again the functional malefic alone has to be taken into account and not the nominal. Inferentially, when malefics do not aspect, there is no defeat.

अकार्किज्ञसितानामेकोSपि चरोदये यदा भवति। प्रवदेत्तदाSSशु गमनं वक्रगतैर्नेति वक्तव्यम् ।।9।।

Translation When a moveable sign rises and any one of the planets, Sun, Saturn, Mercury or Venus, occupies it the enemy should be declared to start his expedition very soon. Should such a planet be retrograde, the answer is in the negative. Notes It is common knowledge that the luminaries Sun and Moon have no retrograde motion and they should be kept out of reckoning in this context. Retrogression also implies that the person already gone will not return.

स्थिरोदये जीवशनैश्चरेक्षिते गमागमों नैव वदेत्तु पृच्छतः । त्रिपञ्चषष्ठा रिपुसङ्गमाय पापाश्चतुर्था विनिवर्तनाय ।।10।।

Translation When a fixed sign rises and is aspected by Jupiter and Saturn, the query should be answered in the negative in respect of departure or

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arrival of the foe. Should in addition malefics occupy third, fifth and sixth, there will be conflict with enemy. Should, however, malefics occupy the fourth, the enemy will beat a retreat. Notes The first combination shows that there will be neither arrival nor departure, i.e., not moved out of station.

नागच्छति परचक्रं यदार्कचन्द्रौ चतुर्थभवनस्थौ। बुधगुरुशुक्रा हिबुके यदा तदा शीघ्रमायाति

Translation. Should Sun and Moon occupy the fourth house, the enemy force will not arrive. Should Mercury, Jupiter and Venus occupy the fourth, it will arrive very soon. Notes Although the clue relates to army movement of enemies, it can be suitably used in our day-to-day affairs.

मेषधनुःसिंहवृषां यद्युदयस्था भवन्ति हिबुके वा। शत्रुर्निवर्तते तदा ग्रहसहिता वा वियुक्ता वा ।।।2।।

Translation Should any one of Aries, Sagittarius, Leo and Taurus rise or brcome the fourth house, whether occupied or unoccupied by planets, the enemy departs at once.

स्थिरराशौ यद्युदये शनिर्गुरुर्वा स्थितस्तदा शत्रुः । उदये रविर्गुरुर्वा चरराशौ स्यात्तदागमनम् ।।13।।

Translation When fixed sign rises and is occupied by Saturn or Jupiter, the enemy, although he has departed from his place, has stopped his movement. Should a moveable sign rise and the Sun or Jupiter occupy it, the enemy will surely come.

ग्रह: सर्वोत्तमबलो लग्नाद्यस्मिन्गृहे स्थितः । मासैस्तत्तुल्यसंख्याकैर्निवृत्तिं यातुरादिशेत् ।।।4।।

Translation The expected person will take as many months to return as the number of houses the most powerful planet in the chart is away from the lagna. 25

चरांशस्थे ग्रहे तस्मिन्कालमेवं विनिर्दिशेत् । द्विगुणं स्थिरभागस्थे त्रिगुणं द्वयात्मकांशके।।15।। Translation Should the above planet occupy moveable navamsa, say,in as many months as the navamsa. Should it occupy fixed navamsa, say in twice as many months, and should it be a mutable navamsa, in thrice as many months. Notes The above two verses should be read and interpreted together. The question obviously relates to a person who is far away, possibly in a foreign country, and is expected to arrive.

यातुर्विलग्नाज्जामित्रभवनाधिपतिर्यदा । करोति वक्रमावृत्तेः कालं तं ब्रुवतेSपरे ॥16॥

Translation Others say that the person will return when the lord of the seventh house from the lagna becomes retrograde. Notes Bhattotpala mentions Krishna and others as holding this view and quotes a relevant verse to this effect. Obviously, our author does not appear to share the view. When Makara or Kumbha lagna rises, the seventh lords are respectively the Moon and the Sun, which have no retrograde motion. Evidently, this rule cannot be applied to these lagnas at any rate.

उदयर्क्षाच्चन्द्रर्क्षं भवति च यावद्दिनानि तावद्भिः । आगमनं स्याच्छत्रोर्यदि मध्ये न ग्रहः कश्चित् ।।।7।

Translation The enemy will arrive in as many days as the lunar rasi is away from the prasna lagna provided no planet is situated in between. Notes This is one more combination for reckoning the time of the enemy's arrival. When any planet intervenes between the two lagnas, the enemy will not arrive. What happens when the lagna and the Moon occupy the same sign? Some of the earlier verses like 6,7,8 should be used to find out the arrival and the navamsas of the two significators pressed into service to reckon the days.

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इति वराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशसा विरचितायां षट्पञ्चाशिकायां गमागमोSध्याय द्वितीयः समाप्तः । Transtation Thus ends the second chapter Gamaagamaadhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas son of Varahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1 & 2, Has my son started home? Or not yet moved? Can I get a dwelling place or house? Will I get a high salaried job? Will my son arrive home? My friend is seriously ill; will he survive or die? I am embarking on a new venture; will I succeed? There is no news of my friend who has gone abroad; is he safe? Or has he left for another place? Will I come out of my difficulties without losing face? Will my enemies humiliate me? Will I lose my election? Will my competitors in the election leave the field or be defeated at the hustings? Will I succeed in the competitive examination? 4. Will my competitor flee? Will I overtake the enemy? What is the manner of my enemy's flight? Was the thief chased away by a dog or frightened by a cow? 5. Will my friend have a bon voyage or meet with trouble on the way? 6. Will there be serious competition in my trying for a particular job? 7. Will the opposing candidates withdraw at the last moment? What is the fate of my contender? 8. Will | be defeated in the election? Competition? 9. Will it be possible for me to go abroad at an early date? 10. What are the chances of my success in the election? Competitive examination? 11. Will the suit against me come up for hearing soon? 14, 15 & 16. In how many months will my son return home from abroad

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Chapter 3 JAYAAPAJAYAADHYAYA VICTORY AND DEFEAT

दशमोदयसप्तमगाः सौम्या नगराधिपस्य विजयकराः । आराSSर्किज्ञगुरुसिताः प्रभड्गदा विजयदा नवमे।

Translation When benefics occupy the tenth, first or seventh (from the lagna), iť indicates success of the king. Mars or Saturn in the ninth indicates defeat, while Mercury, Jupiter or Venus therein indicates success. Notes Although the problem is stated to refer to success or defeat in wars, it ' can be used in our day-to-day life to determine success in elections and such other competitive efforts. The mention of planets by name is only symbolic; their functional character should be taken.

पौरास्तृतीय भवनाद्धर्माद्वा यायिनश्शुभैरशुभदाः । व्ययदशमाये पापा: पुरस्य नेष्टाः शुभा यातुः ।।2।।

Translation. Rasis from third to the eighth from lagna, are known as Pauras and from the ninth to the second as Yayis. Benefics in Pauras benefit the city, and benefics in Yayis benefit the invader. Malefics occupying 12th, 10th and 11th are harmful to the city and helpful to the invader. Notes It follows that these bhavas occupied by both benefics and malefics, indicate a mixed result, i.e., the result will be undecided.

नृराशिसंस्था स्युदये शुभाःस्युर्व्ययायसंस्थाश्च यदा भवन्ति । तदाशु सन्धिं प्रवदेन्नृपाणां पापैद्िदेलोपगतैर्निरोधम्।।3।।

Translation Reconciliation will take place betwen kings early when human signs rise and benefics occupy them. The same will be the case when benefics occupy twelfth and eleventh houses. When malefics occupy mutable signs, it shows conflict. Notes Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra) and Kumbha (Aquarius) are human signs. Although intended for kings, this criterion can be used in all cases where settlement of scores is involved. In the latter contingency, negotiations will fail. Here again functionalism of planets should be kept in mind.

केन्द्रोपगता: सौम्याः सौम्यैर्दृष्टा नृलग्नगा: प्रीतिम् । कुर्वन्ति पापदृष्टाः पापास्तेष्वेव विपरीतम् ।।4।।

Translation Benefics in kendras or human lagnas and aspected by benefics bring about settlement. Malefics similarly placed and aspected by malefics do the opposite. Notes This is one other combination for the successful termination or otherwise of conflicting interests. It is to be understood that mixed placements will tend to continue the tension without resolving it, a preponderance of benefic influence leading to prospective resolution.

द्वितीये बा तृतीये वा गुरुशुक्री यदा तदा। आश्वेवाSSगच्छति सेनाप्रवासी च न संशयः ।।5।

Translation Should Jupiter or Venus occupy second or third house from the lagna, without doubt the army or person from abroad will arrive soon. Notes The placement of the planets may be in the second or third or both, singly or together.

इति वराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशसा विरचितायां षट्पञ्चाशिकायां जयपराजयोSध्यायः तृतीयः समाप्तः ।

Translation Thus ends the third chapter Jaynapajayaadhyaya of Shatpanchasika.

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written by Prithuyasas, son of Varahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1. What are the chances of Mr X being elected Mayor, Chief Minister, Prime Minister, President, etc .? 3. What are the chances of the two feuding parties coming together? Will the negotiations succeed or fail? 5. Will our forces return safely? Will my son return from abroad?

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SUBHAASUBHAADHYAYA Chapter 4

THE AUSPICIOUS AND INAUSPICIOUS

केन्द्रत्रिकोणेषु शुभस्थितेषु पापेषु केन्द्राष्टमवर्जितेषु। सर्वार्थसिद्धि प्रवदेन्नराणां विपर्ययस्थेषु विपर्ययः स्यात्

Translation All kinds of prosperiry should be predicted for man when benefics occupy kendras (quadrants) and trikonas (trines), and malefics occupying places other than kendra and the eighth house. Opposite placements bring about the opposite result. Notes There is a variation in reading as Subhanviteshu for Subhasthiteshu and Viparyayastveshu for Viparyayastheshu, but there is no substantial difference in meaning. The last half refers to the condition when malefics occupy quadrants as well as the eighth house while benefics stay elsewhere. त्रिपञ्चलाभास्तमयेषु सौम्या लाभप्रदा नेष्टफलाश्च पापाः। तुलाSथ कन्या मिथुनं घटश्च नृराशयस्तेषु शुभं वदन्ति ।।2।

Translation Benefics occupying third, fifth, eleventh and seventh houses will prove gainful and malefics therein, harmful. Benefics in the human signs Libra, Gemini and Aquarius will also prove beneficial, say the rishis. Notes Aspects to these houses by the respective planets may be taken as equivalent to occupation.

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स्थानप्रदा दशमसप्तमगाश्च सौम्या मानार्थदाः स्वसुत लग्नगता भवन्ति। पापा व्ययायसहिता न शुभप्रदास्स्यु र्लग्ने शशी न शुभदो दशमे शुभश्च ।।3।।

Translation Benefics in the tenth and the seventh will bestow position or place and in the second, fifth and lagna, fame and wealth. Malefics in the twelfth and eleventh will not bestow happy results. (Malefic) Moon in lagna will not give favourable results, while in the tenth (even when malefic) it will.

इन्दुं द्विसप्तदशमायरिपुत्रिसंस्थं पश्येद्गुरु: शुभफलं प्रमादाकृतं स्यात् । लग्नत्रिधर्मसुतनैधनगाश्च पापाः कार्यार्थनाशभयदाः शुभदाः शुभाश्च॥।4।।

Translation Should the Moon be placed in the second, seventh, tenth, eleventh, sixth or third and aspected by Jupiter, the benefic result will originate from a wuman. Malefics in the lagna, third, ninth, fifth or eighth will destroy effort and money, besides causing fear, while benefics therein ensure happy results.

शुभग्रहा: सौम्यनिरीक्षिताश्च विलग्नसप्ताष्टमपञ्चमस्थाः। त्रिषद्दशाये च निशाकर:स्याच्छुभं वदेद्रोगनिपीडितानाम् ।।5।।

Translation When benefic planets occupy lagna, seventh, eighth and fifth and are aspected by benefics and the Moon occupies third, sixth, tenth or eleventh, recovery for those suffering from illness should be predicted. Notes Bhattotpala points out that benefics other than the Moon occupying the said places should aspect among themselves for the formation of this yoga. It follows that malefics in such houses and the Moon otherwise placed will lead to a contrary result. Here again, when the planets are situated otherwise than what is stated, a preponderance of favourable influence should be looked for eventual recovery.

इति वराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशसा विरचितायां षट्पञ्चाशिकायां शुभाशुभोSध्याय: चतुर्थः समाप्तः ।

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Translation Thus ends Subhaasubhaadhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas, son of Varahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1. What are my present prospects? Can I start a new business? Or should I sit tight? 2. Should I invest in this particular scrip or will it ruin me? 3. Can I aspire for that post and will it bring credit to me? 4. Am I likely to inherit my aunt's estate? I am venturing into a new business; will I succeed in it or not? 5. My brother is seriously ill; will he recover completely?

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Chapter 5 PRAVASA-CHINTAADHYAYA EMIGRATION

दूरगतस्यागमनं सुतधनसहजस्थितैर्ग्रहैर्लग्नात्। सौम्यैर्नष्टप्राप्ति लघ्वागमनं गुरुसिताभ्याम् ।।1।।

Translation Return of a person gone away should be predicted from planets occupying fifth, second and third houses; recovery of lost property should be predicted by the occupation of benefics in those places. Early return or recovery should be predicted by Jupiter and Venus occupying those places. जामित्रे त्वथवा षष्ठे ग्रहः केन्द्रेSथ वाक्पतिः । प्रोषितागमनं विद्यात्त्रिकोणे ज्ञे सितेSपि वा ॥।2।।

Translation The person from abroad will return when the seventh or sixth is occupied by planet, Jupiter occupies a quadrant or Mercury or Venus occupies trine.

अष्टमस्थे निशानाथे कण्टकैः पापवर्जितैः । प्रवासी सुखमायाति सौम्यैर्लाभसमन्वितः ॥3।

Translation When the Moon occupies eighth and the quadrants are free of malefics, the person away from home returns safely. When the quadrants are occupied by benefics, he returns with profit. Notes By implication, the Moon should not be weak, even as the benefics.

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पृष्ठोदये पापनिरीक्षिते वा पापास्तृतीये रिपुकेन्द्रगे वा। सौम्यैरद्वष्टा वधबन्धदाः स्युर्नष्टा विनष्टा मुषिताश्च वाच्याः ।।4।।

Translation When a prishtodaya sign rises and (a) is aspected by a malefic, the person abroad has been punished or put under restraint; (b) malefics occupy the third and are unaspected by benefics, he has moved to another place or country; (c) malefics occupy sixth and aspected by malefics, the person is dead; (d) malefics occupy quadrants, he is robbed or cheated. Notes Bhattotpala explains that the use of the indeclinable va implies this order of interpretation.

ग्रहो विलग्नादतमे गृहे तु तेनाहता द्वादशराशयः स्युः । तावद्नान्यागमनस्य विद्यान्निवर्तनं वक्रगतैर्ग्रहैस्तु ।।5।।

Translation Count the number of rasis from the lagna to the house first occupied by a planet; multiply the number by twelve. It will take as many days for the person to arrive. Should the planet be retrograde, it will take that number of days (duration) for one to return.

-इति वराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशोविरचितायां पटुपञचाशिकायां प्रवासचिन्ताध्यायो पञ्चमः समाप्तः ।

Thus ends Pravasa-Chintaadhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas, son of Varahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1. Will my son return soon from abroad? I have lost my wrist-watch; can I expect to get it back? I have incurred a loss in by business; can I expect to make it good soon? My son is missing; will he come back? 2 & 3. Will my partner return from abrøad with safety and savings? 4. Is my friend who has gone overseas safe? Has he moved to another country? Has he been cheated or robbed? Is he alive because I have no

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news of him?

5. In how many days will my wife return? In how many days will my mother-in-law return to her native place? When do you think I can return to the Gulf countries again for a job?

Chapter 6 NASHTA-PRAAPTIADHYAYA LOST PROPERTY

स्थिरोदये स्थिरांशे वा वर्गोत्तमगतेSपि वा। स्थितं तत्रैव तद्द्रव्यं स्वकीयेनैव चोरितम् ।।।।।

Translation When a fixed sign, a fixed navamsa or vargottama navamsa rises, the missing article or money has been stolen by one's own relative and hidden in the premises itself. Notes Bhattotpala explains that other signs rising and other planetary placements indicate that the article has been stolen by others and removed to other places.

आदिमध्यावसानेषु द्रेष्काणेषु विलग्नतः । द्वारदेशे तथा मध्ये गृहान्ते च वदेद्धनम् ।2।।

. Translation Should the rising cusp be in the first drekkhana, the stolen article or money is hidden in the threshold; if middle drekkhana, in the central part; and if last drekkhana, in the backyard. Notes The first ten degrees of a sign constitute the first drekkhana; the second ten the second drekkhana and the third ten, the last drekkhana. They are ruled by the sign lord, fifth and ninth lords respectively.

पूर्णः शशी लग्नगतः शुभो वा शीर्षोदये सौम्यनिरीक्षितश्च। नष्टस्य लाभं कुरुते तदाशु लाभोपयातो बलवाञ्छुभश्च ।।3।।

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Translation The lost article will be quickly recovered when (a) the full moon or a benefic occupies lagna; (b) Sirshodaya lagna rises and aspected by benefics; (c) a benefic in power occupies the eleventh. Notes Sirshodaya rasis are: Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio and Aquarius. Bhattotpala points out that by implication the absence of any of the above combinations indicates that the chances of recovery are remote.

दिग्वाच्या केन्द्रगतैरसम्भवे वा वदेद्विलग्नर्क्षात्। मध्याच्च्युतैर्विलग्नान्नवांशकैर्योजना वाच्या ।।4।।-

Translation The direction should be reckoned by the planets occupying kendras. In their absence, by the lagna itself. The article has been taken as many yojanas as the navamsa lagna is distant from the first navamsa in the first half and from the central navamsa in the second half of the lagna. Notes The directions indicated by the planets are: the Sun - East; Venus - South-East; Mars - South; Rahu - South-West; Saturn - West; the Moon - North-West; Mercury - North; Jupiter - North-East. Two or more planets in kendras indicate the use of this formula, otherwise the lagna, whose directions are: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius - East; Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn - South; Gemini, Libra, Aquarius - West; Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces - North. A yojana is described as four times a krisa or calling distance. An appropriate measure of distance should be evolved in terms of modern conditions.

इतिवराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशोविराचितायां पट्पञ्चाशिकायां नष्टप्राप्तिर्नामोध्यायो षष्ठः समाप्तः ।

Thus ends Nashta-Praapti Adhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas, son of Varahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1. A silver vessel has been stolen; can the thief be a relative? 2. Where could it be hidden? 3. What are the chances of its recovery?

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4. In what direction has the article been taken and how far? My son is missing; where and how far is he likely to have gone? Is he safe?

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Chapter 7 MISRAKAADHYAYA MISCELLANEOUS

विषमस्थितेSर्कपुत्रे सुतस्य जन्मान्यथाड्गनायाश्च। लभ्या वरस्य नारी समस्थितेSतोSन्यथा वामम्।

Translation When Saturn occupies odd sign from the lagna, it is male child; when it is otherwise, female child; the first also indicates gain of bride and the second gain of groom. Notes The first answer relates to an expected child, the second, an eligible groom and the third, an eligible bride. Among odd signs, the rising lagna should not be counted as per Varahamihira's dictum Vihaya lagnam,etc.

गुरुरविसौम्यैर्दृष्टस्त्रिसुतमदायारिग्र: शशी लग्नात् । भवति च विवाहकर्ता त्रिकोणकेन्द्रेषु वा सौम्याः ।।2।।

Translation The querist will succeed in arranging the marriage when (a) the Moon occupies the third, fifth, seventh, eleventh or sixth house and is aspected by Jupiter, Sun and Mercury; (b) when benefics occupy quadrants or trines. Notes Although the natural benefics are mentioned by name, functional benefics alone are meant. By implication, other placements indicate a negative answer.

चन्द्रार्कयो: सप्तमगौ सितार्की सुखेऽष्टमे वापि तथा विलग्नात्। द्वितीयदुश्चिक्यगतौ तथा च वर्षासु वृष्टिं प्रवदेन्नराणाम् ॥।3।

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Translation In the rainy season rainfall should be predicted when Venus and Saturn occupy (a) seventh from the Moon and Sun; (b) second, third, fourth and eighth from the lagna. Notes Venus can never occupy seventh from the Sun; hence his placement in the seventh can relate only to the Moon.

सौम्या जलराशिस्थास्तृतीय धनकेन्द्रगा सिते पक्षे। चन्द्रे वाप्युदयगते जलराशिस्थे वदेद्वर्षाम् ।।4।।

Translation In the rainy season, rains should be predicted (a) during the white half of the month when benefics occupy third, second and quadrants in watery signs, or (b) when the Moon occupies lagna in watery sign. Notes Watery signs are: Cancer, Capricorn, Scorpio and Pisces (vide : Horasara). According to Mantreswara, Cancer, latter half of Capricorn and Pisces are watery signs.

पुं वर्गे लग्नगते पुंग्रहद्गष्टे बलान्विते पुरुषः । युग्मे स्त्रीग्रहदृष्टे स्त्री बुधयुक्ते तु गर्भयुता ।।5।।

Translation Should the lagna fall in a masculine varga and be aspected by male planet in power, male child (will be born). In dual varga and aspected by female planet, a girl (will be born). Should the lagna contain Mercury, the lady is pregnant. Notes This verse relates to the question put on behalf of expectant mothers. Odd signs are male vargas; even signs are female vargas. Important vargas are the well-known sixfold vargas. Among planets, Mercury and Saturn are eunuchs; the Moon and Venus are feminine and the rest, masculine planets.

कुमारिकां बालशशी बुधश्च वृद्धां शनिः सर्यगरू प्रसूताम् । स्त्रीं कर्कशां भौमसितौ विधत्त एवं वयः स्यात्पुरुषेषु चैवम् ।।6।

Translation Should the lagna be occupied or aspected by the young Moon, it is a baby girl; if by Mercury a girl come of age but unmarried; if Saturn,

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elderly lady, the Sun and Jupiter indicate a woman who has delivered; Mars and Venus point to the passionate woman: Should the question relate to a man, the age should be judged along similar lines. Notes This verse provides the answer to the question as to the type of woman or man a person would desire or look for. The Moon is said to be young from new Moon to the tenth lunar day; from the eleventh to the fifth lunar day in the black half, adult stage; from the following day to the New Moon, it is aged. It stands to reason that should the Moon in the other two stages aspect the lagna, the corresponding type of woman or man is in view. The first stage relates to the pre- puberty stage. Bhattotpala points out that some construe that Mercury too indicates a girl child. He also construes the word karkasa as a very youthful woman. But the word has a pejorative connotation, vide: katina, krura, katora, nishtura, etc. (Amara). In matters of ailment, theft and loss too, this clue can be used.

आत्मसमं लग्नगतैःतृतीयगैर्भ्रातार: सुतः सुतगैः माता वा भगिनी वा चतुर्थगैःशत्रुगैः शत्रुः ।7।

भार्या सप्तमसंस्थैर्नवमे ध्माश्रितो गुरूर्दशमे। स्वांशपतिमित्रशत्रुषु तथैव वाच्यं बलयुतेषु ।।8।।

Translation Should a planet in strength occupy lagna, the query relates to himself; should the third house be so occupied, it relates to his brother, if it is the fifth house, it is about the son; if fourth, it is about the mother or sister; if sixth, it relates to the enemy; if seventh, the wife; if ninth; a religious dharmic person; if tenth, preceptor or father. Should the lord of the navamsa lagna in strength occupy lagna, it is about : oneself; should a friendly navamsa lord occupy lagna, it is about a friend; if it is his foe occupying lagna, it is about his foe. Should more than one planet occupy the respective houses, the more powerful : among them should answer the purpose. Notes This verse provides the clue to find out the person whom the querist has in mind. On friendship, enmity, etc., among planets, reference may be made to standard books or the famous verses 'Satroo manda sitau .... 'may be recalled. As a corollary to this verse, one may use the karaka factor too to elucidate the problem.

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चरलग्ने चरभागे मध्याद्भ्रष्टे प्रवासचिन्ता स्यात् भ्रष्टः सप्तमभवनात्पुनर्निवृत्तो यदि न वक्री ।।9।।

Translation When the lagna and its navamsa are moveable and the latter is beyond the fifth, the query relates to thinking about going abroad or away. He wants to return soon, should any planet move from the seventh house at about the time, provided it is not a retrograde movement. Notes It follows that when the last mentioned planet is retrograde, i.e., from the eighth to the seventh, the person will not return home, until he. becomes direct, when he will.

अस्ते रविसितवक्रः परजायां स्वां गुरौ बुधे वेश्याम्। चन्द्रे च वयः राशिवत्प्रवदेत् सौरेSन्त्यजातीनाम् ।।10।।

Translation When the Sun, Venus or Mars occupies seventh, sex relation was with another's wife; with one's own, if it is Guru; it is the courtesan if Mercury or the Moon; a woman of low caste, if Saturn. The age of the Moon should determine her age. Notes This verse gives you the detective eye to peer into the private life of a person at a given time. In the Notes to a previous verse it has been shown how the Moon's age is divided into young, middle and old age. मन्द: पापसमेतो लग्नान्नवमे शुभैरयुतदृष्टः । रोगार्त: परदेशे चाऽष्टमगो मृत्युकर एव ।।।।।।

Translation Should Saturn with malefic occupy ninth house, unaccompanied or unaspected by benefics, the person abroad or away ails from ill- health. Should he be so placed in the eighth, the ailing person will die. सौम्ययुतोSर्कः सौम्यैः संद्ष्टश्चाष्टमर्क्ष संस्थश्च। तस्माद्देशादन्यं गतः स वाच्यः पिता तस्य ।।।2।। Translation When the Sun, accompanied by a benefic and aspected by benefics, occupies the eighth, say that his father has gone abroad or away to another State. 48

Notes It follows that when not so, he is there in the place itself. As a corollary, other karakas too can be handled in an identical manner. अंशकाज्ज्ञायते द्रव्यं द्रेष्काणैस्तस्कराः स्मृताः । राशिभ्यः कालदिग्देशा वयो जातिश्च लग्नपात् ।।13।।

Translation From the navamsa lagna should be gleaned the material; the thief from the drekkhana; time, direction and location from the rasi; and the age and relation from the lord of the lagna. Notes First, from the navamsa the object should be classified as Dhatu, Moola or Jiva vide infra. From the rasi the colour of the object should be divined (vide Brihad Jataka, Chap. 1, Verse 20). Its relative size has to be judged from the navamsa-lagna as: short ones- Aquarius, Pisces, Aries and Taurus; medium-Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius and Capricorn; long ones-Leo, Scorpio, Virgo and Libra. Short ones include circular objects too. When the navamsa is strong, the object is strong and when weak, it is brittle or full of holes; when the concerned planet is debilitated or combust, almost lost. The _thief should be described by the Drekkhana (vide Brihad Jataka. Chap. 27) or Saravali, etc. The time of theft should be divined thus; if the lagna be Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Sagittarius or Capricorn, it was at night. If any other, during daytime. The direction in which the object is taken should be decided by the sign. The place where it is hidden, placed or stored is as follows: Aries - promenade; Taurus - cattle shed; Gemini - auditorium or theatre or battlefield; Cancer - near water; Leo - forest region; Virgo - near harbour; Libra - in a shop; Scorpio - in holes; Sagittarius - in temple surroundings; Capricorn - near water; Aquarius - in artistic environs or storeroom; Pisces - near water. The age and caste of the thief or person lost should be detected from the lagna lord thus: if Moon - child; Mars - above four years; Mercury - five to twelve years old; Venus - young person up to ,twenty-three; Jupiter - middle aged; the Sun - elderly; Saturn - aged. Jupiter and Venus- Brahmin; Mars and Sun- Kshatriya; the Moon - Vaisya; Mercury - Sudra; Saturn - others. Relation by karaka.

इति बराहमिहिरात्मज पृथुयशसाविराचितायां मिश्रकाध्ययः सप्तमः समाप्तः ।

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Thus ends Misrakaadhyaya of Shatpanchasika written by Prithuyasas, son of Vårahamihira.

Model Questions Verses 1. My wife is expecting a child; will it be a boy or girl? Will my boy get married soon? Will my daughter get married early? 2. Will I get my daughter married early? 3 & 4. Will it rain today being the rainy season? 5. Do you think that my wife would by now have delivered? If so, would it be a boy or girl? 6, 7 I have come to ask you something about a member of my & 8, family; can you identify that member? Whether the member is a male, female or relation? The age, etc? 10. What do you think of the moral character of Mr. X? 11. I have news of the ill-health of my brother; how is he now? 12. I have no news of my father who has gone overseas; can you tell me where he is now? 13. Something is missing from my house; can you enlighten me about it? Who has stolen it and where it is now?

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