Bharatiya Jyotihshastra (History of Indian Astronomy), translated by R. V. Vaidya v2.c13.s1.2

v2.c13.s1.2

Then follows the study of yearly forecast. It is somewhat similar to the one given now-a-days in almanacs under the heading “Samvatsara phalam”. The next chapter is entitled “grahaśṛṅgātaka”. It gives a forecast of the phenomenon in which all or some planets are seen grouped near the sun or some star in the shape of a bow, a horn, etc. The questions next to follow are the “Parjanya garbha lakṣaṇa” (impregnation of rains) “garbha dhāraṇa” (conception) and ‘Varṣaṇa’ (raining). It describes in detail how rains are ‘conceived’ in Mārgaśīrṣa and other months and what would be the nature of the rains. Some people study this subject even in the present times, and it is reported that there are some who accurately predict how rains will occur on the basis of their conception. It is stated in this chapter that rainfall should be measured, if it rains, and the method of measuring it is also described. Next are described the results of the moon’s conjunctions with Rohiṇī, Svātī, Āṣāḍhā, and Bhādrapadā. Next comes the description of the following phenomena :—sudden rainfall, the description of the plant croton, then comes the question of twilight, the red colour visible in the sky in the morning and evening i.e., ‘digdāha’ (preternatural redness of the horizon), earthquake, meteors, ‘pariveṣa’ (a halo), rainbow, gandharvanagar* (celestial city), perihelion or mock sun, whirlwind’,——(Thunderstorm). The next questions dealt with are the prices of grains etc., Indradhwaja (a flag raised on Bhādrapad Śukla 12) and neerajan (lustration of arms). These are followed by the results of the sight of the bird named ‘Khañjan’ (wag-tail). Next are described three kinds of disasters namely ‘divya’ (celestial), ‘āntarikṣa’ (spatial) and ‘bhauma’ (terrestrial). Then follows the chapter on Mayūr-citra. The questions which follow are those of interest to kings, e.g. the Puṣyasnāna