Chapter 5: Ṛtu, Māsa & Pakṣa Phala

The Results of Birth in Seasons, Lunar Months, and Fortnights

Following the broader divisions of time—Saṁvatsara (Year) and Ayana (Solar Course)—the text now examines the subtler divisions of the Pañcāṅga. These divisions sharpen the prediction by revealing the temperament, constitution, and mental framework the native is born with.

Nṛsiṁha Daivajña places special importance on these divisions, for they determine the quality of the time when the soul descends into the body.

1. The Six Ṛtus (Seasons)

The Vedic year consists of six ṛtus, each lasting two solar months. The ṛtu of birth influences the native’s physical constitution, temperament, and worldly inclinations.

Ṛtu (Season) Approx. Period Planetary Ruler Results of Birth
Vasanta (Spring) Mar–May Venus Fond of beauty, music, gardens, women; attractive and fortunate.
Grīṣma (Summer) May–Jul Sun / Mars Hot-tempered, thirsty, hardworking; may suffer from Pitta-related issues.
Varṣā (Monsoon) Jul–Sep Moon Intelligent, eloquent, wealthy; fond of vehicles and water, but mentally fluctuating.
Śarad (Autumn) Sep–Nov Mercury Learned, intelligent, successful in trade; healthy and pure-minded.
Hemanta (Pre-winter) Nov–Jan Jupiter Religious, dignified, wealthy; fond of good food and garments.
Śiśira (Winter) Jan–Mar Saturn Hardworking, enduring; may face poverty or sorrow early in life; secretive nature.

These six ṛtus form the elemental environment into which the native is born, shaping both body and mind.

2. The Twelve Māsas (Lunar Months)

Each lunar month carries a distinct quality. The month of birth influences character, interests, and subtle inclinations.

Results of Birth in Each Lunar Month

  • Chaitra: Intelligent, good at mathematics and śāstras, fond of stories and learning.

  • Vaiśākha: Virtuous, wealthy, charitable, yet prone to anger.

  • Jyeṣṭha: Responsible, serious-minded, family leader; mental anxiety possible.

  • Āṣāḍha: Fond of agriculture or land; wealthy but may face issues with relatives.

  • Śrāvaṇa: Prosperous, religious, devoted to parents; generally happy.

  • Bhādrapada: Strong-bodied, courageous; may be hot-tempered or reckless.

  • Āśvina: Beautiful, artistic, fond of ornaments; well-liked by society.

  • Kārtika: Wealthy, shrewd in trade, talkative; may sometimes be deceitful.

  • Mārgaśīrṣa: Gentle, soft-spoken, religious; fond of pilgrimage. (Krishna declared “I am Mārgaśīrṣa among months.”)

  • Puṣya: Disciplined, controlling, respected; strict temperament.

  • Māgha: Intelligent, wealthy, scholarly; may display pride.

  • Phālguṇa: Fortunate, fond of pleasures, popular with women; generally happy.

Each māsa shapes personality traits and predispositions in subtle but discernible ways.

3. The Two Pakṣas (Fortnights)

The lunar month is divided into two halves based on the Moon’s waxing and waning phases. The Pakṣa is one of the most crucial indicators for assessing mental strength, as it directly affects the power of the Moon.

A. Śukla Pakṣa (Waxing Half)

  • Definition: From Amāvāsyā (New Moon) to Pūrṇimā (Full Moon).

  • Psychological Effect: The Moon grows in strength.

  • Results of Birth:

    • Long life

    • Wealth and beauty

    • Pure mind, stable emotions

    • Fortunate and well-supported

    • Stronger mental constitution

Natives born after the 8th lunar day (Aṣṭamī) enjoy even stronger benefits, as the Moon becomes a natural benefic from this point.

B. Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa (Waning Half)

  • Definition: From Pūrṇimā (Full Moon) to Amāvāsyā (New Moon).

  • Psychological Effect: The Moon wanes and becomes weaker.

  • Results of Birth:

    • More struggles and obstacles

    • Harsh or sharp speech

    • Tendency to secrecy or envy

    • Mental fluctuations

However:

A person born at night during Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa receives significant relief from negative effects, as the Moon is naturally stronger during nighttime.

Thus, even within Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa, context matters.

4. Translator’s Commentary (Dr. U. S. Pulippani)

Dr. Pulippani emphasizes:

“Ṛtu and Māsa give general trends, but Pakṣa is vital for determining Pakṣa Bala, the Moon’s strength.
A native born in Śukla Pakṣa, unless heavily afflicted, enjoys stronger mental resilience.

But if the Moon is weak or afflicted even in Śukla Pakṣa, the benefit is lost.”

Thus, the Pakṣa becomes a crucial determinant of mental health, emotional balance, and psychological strength.

Summary of Chapter 5

  • Ṛtu shapes the constitution and physical nature.

  • Māsa influences character, inclinations, and moral qualities.

  • Pakṣa determines the condition of the mind and emotional stability.

  • Śukla Pakṣa is generally far more favorable than Kṛṣṇa Pakṣa.

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