1. Maitreya: “O Maharishi, you have affectionately explained about the incarnations of Grahas. Now kindly detail their characters and dispositions.

2-3. Parasar: “O Brahmin, listen to the account of placement of the heavenly bodies. Out of the many luminous bodies sighted in the skies some are stars, yet some are Grahas. Those, that have no movements, are the Nakshatras (asterisms).

4-6. Those are called ‘Grahas’, that move through the Nakshatras (or stellar mansions) in the zodiac. The said zodiac comprises of 27 Nakshatras commencing from Ashvini. The same area is divided in 12 parts equal to 12 ‘Rasis’ commencing from Mesh. The names of the Grahas commence from Surya. The Rasi rising is known, as ‘Lagn’. Based on Lagn and the Grahas, joining and departing from each other, the native’s good and bad effects are deducted.

Addition from Santhanam till Sloka 7. The names of the 27 Nakshatras are Ashvini, Bharani, Krittika, Rohini, Mrigasira, Ardra, Punarvasu, Pushya, Aslesha, Magha, Purvaphalguni, Uttaraphalguni, Hasta, Chitra, Swati, Vishaka, Anuradha, Jyeshtha, Mula, Purvashadh, Uttarashadh, Shravana, Dhanishtha, Satabhisha, Purvabhadra, Uttarabhadra, Revati.

Lagn is a very important point in the horoscope. It is the Rasi, that rises in the East, on the latitude of birth. The apparent rising of a Rasi is due to the rotation of the earth on its own axis at a rate of motion, causing every degree of the zodiac seemingly ascend on the eastern horizon.

Approximately, two hours are required for a Rasi to pass via the horizon, thereby every degree taking four minutes to ascend. This duration, however, is actually dependent on the concerned latitude.

Actually Surya has no motion. His motion is an apparent one, as viewed from the rotating earth. Other Grahas, including the nodes, have varied rates of motion. The average daily motions of the Grahas, which are not, however standard, are, as follows: Surya 1, Candr 13-15, Mangal 30-45’, Budh 65-100’, Sukr 62-82’, Guru 5-15’, Sani 2’, Rahu/Ketu 3’.

With such different motions, a Grah forms various Drishtis with others. These Drishtis through longitudinal distances have a great deal of utility in Jyotish. This is what Maharishi Parashar suggests to be considered.

7. Details (of astronomical nature) of stars have to be understood by general rules, while I narrate to you about the effects of Grahas and Rasis.

8-9. The positions of the Grahas for a given time be taken, as per Drikganit. And with the help of Rasi durations, applicable to the respective places, Lagn at birth should be known. Now, I tell you about the castes, descriptions and dispositions of the Grahas.

10. Names of Grahas. The names of the nine Grahas, respectively, are Surya, Candr, Mangal, Budh, Guru, Sukr, Sani, Rahu and Ketu.

11. Benefics and Malefics. Among these, Surya, Sani, Mangal, decreasing Candr, Rahu and Ketu (the ascending and the descending nodes of Candr) are malefics, while the rest are benefics. Budh, however, is a malefic, if he joins a malefic.

Addition from Santhanam till Sloka 12-13. When Candr is ahead of Surya, but within 120, she has medium strength. Between 120 to 240 she is very auspicious,( see ‘Atishubhapred’). From 240 to 0 she is bereft of strength. This is Yavanas’ view, vide P. 70 of my English Translation of Saravali. This view is, however, related to Candr’s strength, or otherwise, while waning Candr (Krishna Paksh, dark half) is a malefic and waxing Candr (Shukla Paksh, bright half) is a benefic. Should Candr be Yuti with a benefic, or receiving a Drishti from a benefic, she turns a benefic, even if in a waning state. As regards Budh, we have clear instructions from Maharishi Parashar, that he becomes a malefic, if he joins a malefic. If waning Candr and Budh are together, both are benefics.

12-13. Grah governances. Surya is the soul of all. Candr is the mind. Mangal is one’s strength. Budh is speech-giver, while Guru confers Knowledge and happiness. Sukr governs semen (potency), while Sani denotes grief.

14-15. Grah cabinet. Of royal status are Surya and Candr, while Mangal is the Army chief. Prince-apparent is Budh. The ministerial Grahas are Guru and Sukr. Sani is a servant. Rahu and Ketu form the Grah Army.