Glossary of Astrology & other terms   

PADA

Feet; base; quarter.

PADA LAGNA

A term used mainly in Jaimini Astrology (q.v.). It is determined as follows:

Find out the position (the house) in which the lord of the ascendant is posited. Count the number of houses the ascendant lord is posited away from the ascendant sign. The house situated, the same number of houses away from this sign is known as Pada Lagna. (See Arudha Lagna)

PADMA

Lotus. A symbol of perfection. One of the nine treasures of Kubera (q.v.). A mode of sexual embrace or coitus.

PADMA-NIDHI KARAKA

Venus, the planet producing material prosperity and sensual gratification.

PADMA YOGA

A planetary combination formed by the lords of the 9^th house from ascendant and from Moon situated together in the 7^th house from Venus. Individuals born with this stellar configuration are very happy, live in luxury and are engaged in auspicious activities. After the age of fifteen years, they are granted favors by the state and elders.

PAKA RASI

Dvara Rasi (q.v.).

PAKSHIN YOGA

A planetary combination produced by all planets in the 4th and 10th houses. It makes the individual a bearer of messages; he may even be an ambassador. He would be quarrelsome and always traveling.

PANAPHARA

The houses next to cardinal houses, viz., 2nd, 5th, 8th, and 11th houses.

PANCHA MAHABHUTAS

The five primary elements, viz., Prithvi (earth), Jala or Apas (water), Tejas or Agni (fire), Vayu (air), and Akasha (space or ether).

PANCHA MAHAPURUSHA YOGA

Planetary combinations formed by non-luminaries, viz., Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn in their own sign or in exaltation, occupying a cardinal house. Each of these nonluminaries forms the yoga singly, and each of them has a separate name and effect. Ruchaka yoga is formed by such a placement of Mars Bhadra by mercury, Hamsa by Jupiter, Malavya by Venus, and Sasa Yoga by Saturn. They produce the following results:

Ruchaka Yoga: Strong physique, well versed in ancient love, conforms to tradition and customs, and becomes famous. Such an individual also becomes wealthy, lives for long, and leads a group of men or an army.

Bhadra Yoga: Strong physique with a lion-like face. The individual is helpful to relatives and attains a high intellectual eminence.

Hamsa Yoga: A righteous person, graceful in appearance, considerate, devoted to gods and higher life, and ritualistic in religious observances.

Malavya Yoga: Essentially a family person, preoccupied with domestic responsibilities and surrounded by children and grandchildren. He possesses personal vehicle, residential house, and other necessities of life.

Sasa Yoga: Sensuous, occultist, leader of non-traditional and anti-social elements. Fearless and capable of performing arduous deeds.

PANCHA SIDDHANTIKA

An ancient treatise written by Varahamihir on astronomy giving guidelines for working out details of eclipses and similar occurrences. It indicates the effect of planetary ownership of the year, month and day. It discusses the views of several other writers as well.

PANCHA TATTWAS

The 5 elements (See Pancha Bhutas) The Pancha Tattwas of the tantriks are called Pancha Makaras; they all begin with Ma-sound, e.g., Madya (intoxicants), Mansa (flesh), Matsya (fish), Mudra (money), and Maithuna (coitus).

PANCHVARGEEYA BALA

The fivefold strength of planets that depends upon (1) strength of exaltation (Oochabala), (2) Saptavarga Bala or the sevenfold strength derived from Rasi, Hora, Drekkan, Saptamsa, Navamsa, Dwadasamsa, and Dirimsamsa, (3) Odd-even zodiacal sign position, (4) Drekkan position, and (5) House position based on whether the planets are situated in cardinal house having full strength, Panphara (q.v.) with half strength, and Apoklima (q.v.) having quarter strength.

PANCHSWARA CHAKRA

A table indicating the first letter of one's name and the auspicious or otherwise nature of different lunar tithis (dates), days, and asterisms for him. The table indicates five types of relationships, viz., Baal (child)-Swara; Kumar (youth)-swara; Yuva (adult) swara; Vridha (old age)-swara, and Mrita (dead)-swara. The result of any work begun on any date, day, etc. can be predicted according to these relationships.

PANDAVAS

The five sons of Pandu, the king of Hastinapur. They are Yudhishtra, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva, who were the heroes of the Mahabharata (q.v.). They were related to Krishna on their maternal side. Draupadi was their common wife, though some of them had other wives as well. Each of these heroes are also linked with different planetary deities.

PAPAKARTRI YOGA

Malefic planets flanking any house or a planet. It destroys the auspicious nature of the same and imparts malefic influence. The house or the planet thus afflicted does not prosper.

PARAABHAVA

The 40th year in a cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Vishnu. Persons born during this year are afflicted with unspecified fear are timid, irreligious, and deceitful.

PARALLEX

Apparent displacement of an observed object due to the difference between two points of view. It occurs due to a celestial body being observed from the surface instead of the center of Earth; it causes diurnal or geocentric parallax. It may also occur due to an object being observed from the earth instead of Sun, which causes annual or heliocentric parallax.

PARASHARA

A patronymic. A Vedic sage to whom many hymns of the Rig Veda are attributed. He was a disciple of Kapila, received Vishnu Purana from Pulashya, and taught it to Maitreya. He was a writer on Dharma Shastra, a textbook on law. By his relationship with Satyavati, he fathered Krishna Dwaipayana, who was also known as Vedavyasa. Some legends describe Parashara as a son of Vashishtha. Speculations are rife that Parashara, who lived sometime between 1391 and 575 B.C. authored a classic on astrology, presently known as Brihata Parashara Hora, besides several other works on the subject.

PARASURAMA

Rama with an axe. A celebrated Brahman warrior, son of Jamadagni, a descendant of Bhrigu. Parasurama was a great devotee of Shiva and was considered the sixth avatara (q.v.) of Vishnu. He appeared at the beginning of the Treta Yuga (q.v.). Like his father, Parasurama was anger incarnate, yet he was very obedient to his father. It is said that his father once wanted his wife Renuka to be beheaded because she had entertained an impure thought. None of his sons except Parasurama obeyed him. When his father's anger subsided, he granted Parasurama a boon for his obedience. The kindhearted son begged that his mother be restored to life (again), which the father granted readily. On another occasion, when the son of Karatavirya killed Jamadagni, Parasurama vowed to extricate the entire Kshatriya race. He is said to have done so twenty-one times. He was defeated by Rama (q.v.). Parasurama is one of the seven chiranjivis, the immortals, and is believed to be still performing penance at a (mythical) mountain called Mahendra, where he is supposed to have been visited by Arjuna (q.v.).

PARIBHRAMANA

Rotation.

PARIKRAMANA

Revolution.

PARIDHAWI

The 46th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. Persons born during this year are mentally weak, lethargic, itinerant, and devoted to gods and holy places.

PARIJATA YOGA

A planetary combination related with the position of the ascendant lord. If the lord of the sign where the ascendant lord is situated, or if the lord of the navamsa where the lord of the sign in which the ascendant lord is situated is placed in a cardinal or trine house, Parijata Yoga is formed. It makes the person born under it a sovereign, destined to be happy during the middle or the later part of his life. Such a person is respected by other kings. He is fond of wars, possesses immense wealth, is mindful of his duties towards the state, and is compassionate in disposition.

PARIVARTAN/ANYONYASTAYA

Exchange of Lords between two zodiacal signs.

PARIVESH

One of the invisible satellites. (See Dhuma)

PARIVRAJYA YOGA

Planetary combination for asceticism. Some important ascetic yogas are as follows:

(1) Four or more planets in strength occupying a single house with Raja Yoga (q.v.) present in the horoscope. The type of asceticism depends upon the strongest planet in the combination. Mars produces Sakyas who worshipped Devi, the goddess of power; Mercury produces Jeevikas who worshipped Vishnu, the preserver of the universe; Jupiter makes the person a Bhikshu, a mendicant, -professing Samkhya philosophy. Moon makes Vriddhas who believe in Supreme God and go around begging alms with a skull-like pot. Saturn produces Nirgranthas who roam naked like the Nagas (q.v.); and Sun makes a person Vanyasana who believe in simple living and high thinking, possessing high intellect and is spiritually developed.

(2) The lord of Moon sign with no aspect on itself, aspects Saturn; or Saturn aspects the lord of the sign occupied by Moon which is also weak.

(3) Moon occupies drekkan (q.v.) of Saturn and is expected by it. Such an individual renounces the world and mundane relationships.

(4) Moon occupies the navamsa of Saturn or Mars, and is expected by Saturn. Such a person is disenchanted with mundane existence and leads the life of a recluse.

(5) Jupiter, Moon and the ascendant expected by Saturn, and Jupiter occupying the 9th house in the horoscope make a person born in Raja Yoga a holy and illustrious founder of a system of philosophy.

(6) Saturn unaccepted by a planet occupies the 9th House and there is Raja Yoga in the horoscope. The combination will make the individual enter a, holy order and become a lord of men.

PARS FORTUNA /PART OF FORTUNE

A magnetic point as many degrees away from the rising degree of an ascendant as Moon is from Sun for daytime births, counting from Sun in the direction of the signs, and of Sun from Moon for night time births. Pars Fortuna reversed, i.e., counting from Moon to Sun in order of the signs and then marking it at the same distance from the rising degree of the ascendant is known as Pars Spirits.

PARTHIWA

The 19th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.) ruled by Brahma. Persons born during this year are great devotees of Shiva and Brahma. They are philanthropists, graceful, and religious.

PARVAT YOGA

Planetary combinations of this name are of two kinds. First, benefices in a cardinal house from Ascendant, and 6th and 8th houses either posited by benefices or vacant. Second, the Ascendant lord and the 12th house lord both in cardinal houses from each other, and expected by friendly planets. Persons born under these combinations are very fortunate, fond of learning different subjects, charitable and considerate. They become political or social leaders. They, however, have a great attraction for women.

PARVATI

Consort of Lord Shiva. Mother of Skandha (q.v.) and Ganesha. An embodiment of female cosmic creative potential.

PASHA YOGA

(See Sankhya Yoga). Individuals born under it earn much money and are very skilled, and respected.

PATANJALI

[Pata = fallen; Anjali = palm]. The founder of Yoga philosophy. His Yoga Sutras is still a classic on the subject. He is also the author of Mahabhashya, a celebrated commentary on the grammar of Panini. He is supposed to have lived around 700 B.C. A legend accounting for his name represents that he fell as a small snake from heaven into the palm of Panini.

PATYAMSA

A term used in calculating annual horoscope. (See Krisamamsa)

PAVAKA

Purifying solar fire. (See Agni)

PHALGUNI, PURVA

The 11th asterism. extending from 133⁰ 20' to 146⁰ 40' of the zodiac. Its primary attribute is tamasic (q.v.). It is ruled by Venus, its presiding deity is Bhaga, the god of fortune and bliss. The asterism is classified as a Brahmin by caste, a rat by species, a man by temperament, a forest dweller by the animal type. It is related with the northern direction and is symbolized by a couch, a platform or a fireplace.

The asterism produces intense thirst for sentient experiences; its motivating impulse is kama (q.v.). Those who are still on Pravritti Marg (q.v), will be led to debauchery, gambling, and black magic under its impact, while those who are on the Nivritti Marg (q.v.), come to possess self-discipline and regulation of their psychomental proclivities.

PHALGUNI, UTTARA

The 12^th asterism extending from 146⁰ 40' to 160⁰ 00' of the zodiac. Its primary attribute is tamas (q.v.). Its presiding deity is Aryaman, the god who inspires the seeker for spiritual illumination. The asterism is classified as a warrior by class, cow by species, man by temperament, and forest dweller as animal type for its first quarter and human for the next three quarters. It is related with the eastern direction. It is symbolized by a small bed.

The asterism imparts the urge for liberation, moksha (q.v.) as its motivating impulse. It provides ambition and even the desire to resort to Tantric methods for controlling nature's finer forces for one's personal objectives. Those who are evolving on spiritual lines may succeed under its impact to uncover much of their latent faculties.

PINDA DASA

A system of planetary ruler ship. Under this system, whichever of Sun and Moon is stronger has its first dasa followed by the planets posited in cardinal houses in respect to it, then comes the ruler ship of planets in Panphara (q.v.) and in the last the planets located in Apoklima (q.v.).

PITRIS

Ancestors; the progenitors of mankind. They are of seven kinds, three without any form and four with forms. The incorporeal ones are called Vairajas, Agnishwattas, and Barishads; the corporeal ones are Sakalas or Sakalins, Angirasas, Suswadhas, and Somapus. (They are also called by some other names.) Pitris are departed forefathers to whom Pindas (balls of rice and flour) and water are offered at their death anniversaries. The ten Prajapatis (q.v.) are also known as Pitris. Some Pitris are also related with life on Moon.

PITTA

Bile; one of the hum ours of the body, others being kapha (phlegm) and vayu (air).

PLANETS

A planet is a non-luminous globe of relatively small mass, revolving round a star, a globe of incandescent gas. The only planets of which there is any knowledge are those in the solar system. There are nine planets in this system, viz., Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto, arranged according to their distance from the central star of this system, viz., Sun. In astrological studies, Earth is not taken into account, but Sun and Moon (which is a satellite of Earth) are included. The Vedic astrology does not include the trans-Saturnian planets, viz., Uranus (also known as Herschel), Neptune and Pluto, but it includes the Nodes of Moon, viz., Rahu and Ketu, for prognostication purposes. These planets are divided into two well-marked groups: the inner consists of three relatively smaller ones (viz., Mercury, Venus, Earth and Mars) and the outer five giants, viz., Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and -Pluto. Between the two groups lies the main asteroid zone consisting of about 45,000 small 'worlds' moving round Sun whose orbits lie in between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.

The basic astronomical details of the planets are as follows:

Basic astrological details of the seven Vedic astrological planets are given in Table 10.

PLANETARY SIGNIFICATIONS

The basic impulses of planets which they induce.

PLAVA

The 35^th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v). It is ruled by Vishnu. Persons born during this year are inclined to deep slumber and enjoy the pleasures of life. They are engaged in trade and commerce and are socially much respected.

PLAVANGA

The 41st year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. Persons born during this year are aggressive, inclined to smuggling of goods but are defenders of their country. They are regal in demeanor and they practice yogic exercises.

POORNIMA

Full moon. Sun and Moon on this day are 180o apart.

PUTRA, POSYA

Adopted child.

PRABHATI

The 13th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara. It is ruled by Brahma. Individuals born during this year are lustful, greedy, gambler and drunkards.

PRACHETAS

One of the most mysterious figures of Hindu mythology. It is an epithet for Varuna, the god of waters, and esoterically, its principle and as such, are related with Shatbhoisag (q.v.) asterism. The Puranic stories make Prachetas one of the 10 Prajapatis (q.v.), an ancient sage and a lawgiver. But there are references to 10 Prachetas, who were sons of Prachinabarhis and great-grandson of Prithu; they passed ten thousand years in the great ocean, deep in meditation upon Vishnu and obtained from him the boon of becoming the progenitors of mankind. They took to wife Marisha, a daughter of Kanclu, and Daksha was their son, when he was born in another Manvantara (q.v.). But in another Manvantara, the 27 daughters of Daksha (cf. Asterisms) were married to Soma, Moon, whose emanation was Marishi who is referred to as mother of Daksha. Thus Prachetas were Daksha's father as well as his great grandson.

PRADHANA

Fundamental or primeval substance, Prakriti (q.v.). The primary germ, from. which every form of material existence emerges. It is a basic element of the Samkhya philosophy.

PRAJAPATIS

'Lords of creatures'; progenitors of the human race; the bestowals of life on this Earth. An epithet for Brahma who created 7 and then 10 Prajapatis who superintended the creative processes of the universe. In the Vedas, the term is applied to Indra, Savitri, Soma, Hiranyagrabha and other deities. In Puranic stories, it is also a name of Manu Swayambhuva himself from whom mankind has descended, but more specifically, it is referred to the 10 'mind-born sons' of Brahma, who are generally considered fathers of the human race. They are named Marichi, Atri, Angiras, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, Vasistha, Prachetas or Daksha, Bhrigu, and Narada. Some authorities consider only Saptarishis (q.v.) as the Prajapatis; in the Mahabharata, mention has been made of 21 Prajapatis.

Prajapati is also the 5th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Brahma. A person born during this year is happy in serving his own dependents. He is charitable, a philanthropist and wealthy. He is renowned in places from his own country.

PRAKRITA

A dialect of Sanskrit.

PRAKRITI

Nature. The principle of materiality or objective existence. The passive creative principle personified as Mother Nature. Nature in general; Matter or Nature as opposed to Spirit or Purusha. In Sankhya philosophy, Prakriti is the original source of material existence, consisting of three essential attributes, viz., Sattwa (harmony), Rajas (activity), and Tamas (inertia). Prakriti is also considered the personified will of the Supreme Spirit in creation and is identified with Maya (illusion).

PRAKRITIKA / MAHA PRALAYA

The Great Dissolution which occurs at the end of Brahma's life (see Kalpa). On this occasion, everything is dissolved into their ultimate elements.

PRALAYA

A period of rest (dissolution) as opposed to Manvantara (q.v.), the period during which manifestation continues to exist.

PRAMADI

The 47th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Rudra. Persons born during this year are aggressive, devoted to Shiva, fond of fragrances or ornaments, and ever engaged in auspicious activities.

PRAMODA

The 47th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Brahma. Persons born during this year often have unhappy relations with rich people, as well as with their own wife. Even their brothers and friends are not sympathetic to them, but the state greatly honours them and they attain high social status.

PRANA

The vital airs, viz., Prana, Apana, Samana, Vyana and Udana. All these have specific functions in maintaining body metabolism.

PRANA PADA

A concept especially for rectification of a natal chart in Jaimini Astrology (q.v.). Prana is equivalent to 15 Palas (12 minutes). Depending upon Sun's occupancy of cardinal, fixed or common signs, the position of Pranapada is worked out.

PRANAVA

A sacred syllable, AUM, representing Trinity in One. (See OM)

PRANAYAMA

Control of breath. The 4th stage in the eightfold yogic practice. It consists of Puraka (inspiration), Kumbhaka (withholding the breath), and. Ruchaka (out-breathing). There are eight modifications of Pranayama, viz., Suryabhedan, Ujjayi, Sitakari,Shitali, Bhastrika, Bhramari, Murcha, andPlavini. Some authorities add Anuloma-Viloma to these. These terms in general mean control and regulation of the flow of the Vital Air (Prana Vayu) which has its source in Sun (or Fohat). Pranayama distributes the Vital Air to the different Chakras (energy centres). It enters Swadhistan or the spleenic energy centre which differentiates it into five different channels and distributes them to the different energy centres. Pranayama activates the health aura of the individual, increases the flow of Vital air, and effectively distributes it to the different parts of the body which makes spiritualunfoldment easy.

PRASHNA KRIYA

The act of putting questions in Horary Astrology for obtaining replies to them.

PRASTARASTAKA VARGA

A tabular chart indicating auspicious and other transit results of a planet.

PRAVARA

Exalted.

PRATYAHARA

Drawing back or retreat. Fifth of the eightfold yogic practice.

PRAVRITI MARG

The path of materialization; the path on which the, consciousness of an individual gets gradually entrenched to matter, leading to intensification of egotism and thirst for sensual experiences. (See also Marg)

PRECISION OF EQUINOXES

Equinoxes represent the two points of intersection of the Ecliptic and the Celestial Equator. Sun transits over them when day and night are equal. These points slowly move backward. This is known as precision of equinoxes. The slow change in the direction of Earth's axis of rotation, mainly due to the attraction of Sun and Moon on the equatorial bulge of Earth, produces the precision of equinoxes. As a result, the Celestial Pole describes circles among the stars; each circle is 47⁰ in diameter, and completes the whole length of the circumference or the lunar attraction on the equatorial bulge of the Earth tending to push the polar axis towards the axis of the ecliptic causes equinoctial Precision entire zodiacal belt in about 25,800 years: It implies that the precision of equinoxes covers one zodiac sign in approximately 2,160 years. It also leads to a shift in the position of the North Pole.

PRESHYA YOGAS

Planetary combinations leading to servitude formed

(1) when Sun is in the 10th house, Moon is in the 7th, Saturn in the 4th, Mars in the 3rd and the ascendant is in a cardinal sign while Jupiter is placed in the 2nd house. Persons born under this combination during night will be a servant of another person.

(2) If Venus occupies the 9th house, Moon the7th house, Mars the 8th, and Jupiter owns the 2nd house or the ascendant while the ascendant is in a fixed sign. The person born in this combination lives always in servitude.

(3) When a person is born during nighttime and has the lord of the movable rising sign in Sandhi (i.e., the borderline of two Bhavas) and a malefic planet occupies a cardinal house. Alternatively, if Saturn, Moon, Jupiter and Venus occupy, during daytime birth, cardinal or trine positions or be in Sandhi while the rising sign is an immovable one. The result is the same as above.

(4) Jupiter attains Iravathamsa (q.v.) and occupies a Sandhi, and Moon is not situated in a cardinal house but possesses Uttam-varga (q.v.) and Venus is in the rising sign and birth is in the night time during the dark half of a lunar month. The person is born as a menial.

(5) if at the time of birth of a person, Mars, Jupiter, and Sun occupy, respectively, the Sandhis of 6th, 4th, and 10th Bhavas, or

(6) If Moon while occupying the Amsa (q.v.) of a malefic planet is in a Benefic sign, or,

(7) When Jupiter is in Capricorn occupying the 6th, 8th, or the 12th bhava, and Moon is in the 4th bhava from the rising sign, -the individual born will have to work at the biddings of others.

PRIMORDIAL LIGHT

The primeval point from which manifestation began. At this point, a ray of light is said to emanate from the center of the cosmic consciousness whose nature and functions are beyond any subjective experience, yet it is highly creative. It is the principle of creation, personified in Cosmic Genetrix called Devi and other several names.

PRINCIPLES

The elements of Original Essence; the basic differentiation upon and of which all things are made. The term refers to the seven fundamental aspects of the One Universal Reality in cosmos and in man. The different planets are related with various Principles and the Upadhis (q.v.) through which these channels of differential divine essence operate.

PRISTODAYA

Some zodiac symbols (signs) seem to rise on the eastern horizon from head first are known as Sirsodaya signs, those which arise from the back are Pristodaya signs, while those which appear at the horizon with the front and back parts together are known as Ubhayodaya signs. These signs are classified as follows:

Pristodaya: Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Sagittarius, and Capricorn.

Sirsodaya: Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, and Aquarius.

Ubhayodaya: Pisces.

PRITHVI

Earth; also one of the five elements, the others being water, fire, air, and ether or akasha. Prithvi is also said to be the mother of planet Mars. Mythological, a cow personifies the earth.

PRITHVIWASU

The 39th year in the cycle of 60 Samvatsara (q.v.). It is ruled by Vishnu. Persons born during this year are bestowed with many royal insignias and they attain high social status.

PROSTAPADA

The lunar month of Bhadrapada. The 25th and 26th asterisms (q.v.).

PUJA

Worship. An act of respect and adoration.

PULAHA

A Prajapati (q.v.) and one of the Saptarishis (q.v.).

PULASTYA

One of the mind-born sons of Brahma, and a Saptarishi (q.v.). He was the medium through whom some of the Puranas were communicated to man. He was the grandfather of Kubera, the god of treasures; he was also the father of Ravana (q.v); all the, Rakshasas (demons) are said to have arisen from him.

PUNAR-JANMAN

Reincarnation.

PUNARVASU

The 7th asterism extending from 80⁰ to 93⁰ 20' of the zodiac. It is ruled by Jupiter and its presiding deity is Aditi. Its primary motivation comes from Rajas, activity. It is classified as a merchant by class, cat by species, godly by temperament, and the first three-quarters of it are human and the last one aquatic. It is related with north direction. Its activities are directed towards Artha, purposeful efforts. It is symbolized by a bow and a house. It represents universal life, which is like a ray of light; it stands for the revival of the original life-essence as it manifests through the evolutionary process.

PURANAS

Ancient tales and Hindu mythological stories. They narrate the power and, works of gods. These stories have five distinguishing topics, viz., (1) the creation of the universe, (2) its destruction and renovation, (3) the genealogy of gods and patriarchs, (4) the reigns of the Manus, forming periods called Manvantara, and (5) the history of solar and lunar races of kings.

These scriptures are 18 in number and in addition to these, there are 18 Upapuranas, or subordinate works. The Purnanas are classified in 3 categories, viz., (a) Vaishnava Purana, in which Sattwa predominates. These are known as Vishnu, Naradiya, Bhagavata, Garuda, Padma, and Varaha Puranas, (b) Shaiva Puranas, in wl-dch the quality of Thmas predominates. These are Matsya, Kurma, Linga, Shiva, Skanda, and Agni Puranas. (c) Brahmani Puranas, in which the quality of Rajas is outstanding. These Puranas are Brahma, Brahmananda, Brahmavaivarta, Markandeya. Bhavishya and Vamana Puranas.

PURUSHA

Male or man. The positive generative force; the Spirit, the Supreme Self, Atman. In Sankhya philosophy, Purusha is the soul and the inactive witness of the activities of Prakriti (q.v.).

PUNYA

Meritorious deeds. Actions expected to produce auspicious results.

PUNYA SAHAMA

A planetary combination under the Tajaka system of Annual Prediction. It is worked out by subtracting the longitude of Sun from that of Moon if the birth is in day-time and vice-versa for night-time births and adding to it the longitude of the ascendant. If the ascendant does not lie between Sun and Moon, or Moon and Sun, as in the case of night or daytime birth, one full sign, which is 30⁰, is to be added to the result obtained. If the Sahama falls in auspicious houses, it leads to useful activities during the year, and if it falls in the 6th, 8th or 12th house, adverse results follow.

PURVA PUNYA

Meritorious deeds done in earlier times, specially in the earlier births. The 9th house in a natal chart represents this aspect.

PUSHYA

The 8th asterism spreading from 93⁰ 20' to 106⁰ 40' of the zodiac. It is ruled by Saturn. Its presiding deity is Brahmanspati (Jupiter). Its basic motivational urge is Dharma, spirituality; its primary attribute is Rajas, activity. It is classified as a warrior class, goat by species, god by temperament, aquatic by animal type, and is related with east direction. It is symbolized by a flower, a circle or an arrow. It leads to the stabilization of materializing process. It imparts a deeply spiritual impulse, leading to a balanced integration of one's individual self with the Cosmic Being. Purification of the psyche and an intuitive perception of the Divine Plan are the unique characteristics of this asterism.

PUSHAN

The presiding deity of Revati, the 27th asterism. The name of the deity is derived from the root Push and the primary meaning of it is a nourished providence. Pushan is said to be a protector and multiplier of cattle and human possessions in general. He is a patron of conjurors, especially those who discover stolen goods, and is connected with matrimonial ceremonies. In the Nirukta, he is identified with Sun. He is called a brother of Indra, and is enumerated among the twelve Adityas (q.v.).