Bharatiya Jyotihshastra (History of Indian Astronomy), translated by R. V. Vaidya v2.c13.s2.32

v2.c13.s2.32

It was compiled by Keśava, a resident of the village of Nandigrāma. Hence his date may be about Śaka 1420. The author not only deals with all the questions mentioned as belonging to muhūrta, but adds the remark, “here ends the part on muhūrta, and that on samhitā begins”, and briefly discusses a good many questions from Varāha Samhitā, like the movements of planets, planetary fights etc. It does not however appear that any one in his time had been making any use of such information. This work contains a chapter on ‘ships’ which is a special feature. It follows the chapter on travel, and gives advice regarding auspicious times for ship-building, for landing, for landing ships, and for travelling in ships. No other work on ‘muhūrta’ appears to have dealt with this question. The commentary on the work does not contain any quotations from previous writers taken in support of any statement. The words nāl (bow) sukān (helm) have been used in the verses. Upon this, Gaṇeśa Daivajña the commentator observes, “these popular terms have been admitted into the original, as other suitable terms are not found in the dictionaries.” It appears that he may have been a resident of a place on the sea coast, and as seafaring fishermen used to consult him for muhūrta he appears to have compiled this chapter anew. Nāvapradīpa is another independent work* to his credit. The work Muhūrta Tatva is at present in use. The author’s son GAṆEŚA Daivajña has written a commentary on it. Its date appears to be about Śaka 1450. It has been printed. The author mentions from it the names of such works and authors as have not been referred to before.