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296
THE INDIAN ANTIQUARY.
If this falls within 15, it belongs to the crescent moon, but if above 15 to the decrescent moon. Again, multiply the square number by 4, and divide the product by 12, the remainder is the constellation. Multiply the square number by 8, and divide the product by 5, the remainder gives the Sútra. The following are the Yonis:Garuda, Punî, Simha, Noy, Pâmbu, Eli, Ani, Musl: of thes Puni (cat), Elî (rat), and Musl (hare) are bad. The following are the Amsams:-Arsam, Soram, Putthi, Satthi, Thanium, Râsium, Kalibam, Varuttham, Rokam, and Subâm. The following are the Sútras:-Pâlan, Kumaru, Rájan, Kilavan, Maranan. We now give an example or two that may serve to illustrate the foregoing:
"Given the length of the house 11 cubits, and the width 5 cubits, to find the age,-that is to say, how many years such a house will stand. By the rule 11 x 5 55, and 55 x 27= 1485, 1485 100=14, the remainder being 85,-which remainder indicates the number of years the house will stand.
"Given the length of the house 15 cubits, and the width 7 cubits, to find the caste for whom it is suitable. 15 X 7 = 105, 105 x 9 = 945, and 9454 236, remainder 1. The remainder 1 indicates the first caste, i.e. Brâh
mans.
"Given the length of the house 17 cubits, and the width 7, to ascertain the caste for whom it is suitable. 17 x 7119, 119 x9= 1071, and 1071 4 267, remainder 3. The remainder 3' denotes the third or Vaisya caste."
The next example exhibits the entire series. "Given the length of the house 9 cubits, width 3 cubits, to find the Ayam and Selavu, &c. &c. By the rule 9 x 3 = 27, 27 x 8216, and 216 12-18,-12:
Ayam.
27 x 9243, and 243 10 24, remainder 3,-which is the Selavu or loss, and so on according to the rule. The Yoni is Garuda, the star Revati, the part of the lunar month the third day, the day of the week Thursday, the constellation Pisces, and the caste Vaisya."
Strange as all this appears to us Europeans, natives regard these things as matters of great importance, and I have been informed by a well-educated native gentleman that many of these rules are adhered to even now.
=
[OCTOBER, 1876.
The Ayams and Selavus are also used for the purpose of ascertaining whether good or evil will happen to the householder; thus:
"If the Ayam be 0 or 2, it denotes that great pleasure and happiness awaits the householder; if 3 or 4, fame and happiness are indicated; if 5 or 6, increase of wealth; if 7 or 8, beneficence and true wisdom are indicated.
"Multiply the Ayam by 9 and divide it by 10 to find the Selavu or loss. If the remainder is 1, it denotes that great poverty is in store for the householder. If 2 remain, the house will be consumed by fire. If the remainder is 8, Lakshmi will dwell in that house. If 9 remain, the destruction of sons will ensue. If the remainder is 10, it is most excellent."
We have already given the rule for finding the eight Yonis, and as these exert a very considerable influence upon uneducated Hindus, we shall give the instructions concerning them as contained in this book.
The Yoni Garuda (hawk) is in the east.
south.
Lion Serpent Elephant
west.
north.
33
Serpent.
33
39
39
Cat
Dog
Rat Hare
33
This, illustrated by a diagram, will explain what is to follow.
33
39
Rat.
The eight Yonis. Elephant.
33
Dog.
33
33
33
33
Hare.
Cat.
south-east.
south-west. north-west. north-east.
When there is no remainder the divisor becomes the Ayam, as in this instance.
Garuda.
Lion. The reader will observe that the animals are placed antagonistically, e.g. the dog is the natural enemy of the hare, the cat of the rat, &c. &c. The rule accordingly is:-A person dwelling in Garuda's position should not undertake anything that would oblige him to journey toward the position of the Serpent, and vice
