History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v6.c82.838

v6.c82.838

The word Karana is derived from the root 'kṛ' (to do) and is said to have been so named because it divides a tithi in two parts.¹¹²¹ The names of most of the Karanas are somewhat strange and inexplicable. The word 'Taitila-kadrū' occurs in Pānini VI. 2. 42 (with regard to accent) but the Kāśikā explains that Taitila means 'a descendant or pupil or Titilin'. If a mere conjecture were to be offered, the Karana Taitila might have been first named after a man so called The Karanas are only of astrological use and must have been named many centuries before 400 A. D. The Nāradapurāna¹¹²² mentions both kinds of Karanas. The Bṛhat-samhita lays down what should be done or not done on the several Karanas¹¹²³ as follows: one should perform on Bava all auspicious (religious) rites, all acts that bring about physical health, on Bālava religious acts and acts beneficial to brāhmaṇas, on Kaulava acts leading to good relations and friendship and choosing a bride; on Taitila acts that lead to popularity with people, to securing the patronage (of some important person) and building a house, on Gara actions pertaining to ploughing, sowing seeds and those that arise in houses; on Vaṇija, acts of a permanent nature, trading, and meeting with people; whatever is done on Viṣṭi does not bring about fortunate results; but actions as regards destruction of enemies, poisoning and incendiarism become successful on it; on Śakuni one should do what leads to physical health and medication, planting roots and eating them and becoming successful in mantras, on Catuṣpada actions relating to cows (i. e. gifts of them and rearing them), actions regarding brāhmaṇas and one's ancestors and king's business should be done; on Nāga, acts relating to immoveable property, cruel acts, depriving (a man of his wealth or wife) and acts that lead to hatred among people; on Kimstughna, auspicious (religious) acts, Vedic sacrifices (called *iṣṭis*) and acts leading to physical prosperity and mangala acts (marriage &c.) and other acts that bring success in these matters.