On the Parvan

The intervals between which an eclipse may happen and the number of their lunations are sufficiently demonstrated in the sixth chapter of Almagest. The Hindus call a period of time at the beginning and end of which there occur lunar eclipses, parvan. The following information on the subject is taken from the Saṁhitâ. Its author, Varâhamihira, says: “Each six months form a parvan, in which an eclipse may happen. These eclipses form a cycle of seven, each of which has a particular dominant and prognostics, as exhibited in the following table:—

Page 258.

Explanation of the term parvan.

Quotation from Varâhamihira’s Saṁhitâ, chap. v. 19–23.

Number of the Parvans.	1	2	3	4	5	6	7
Dminants of the Parvans.	Brahman.	Śaśin, i.e. the Moon.	Indra, the Ruler.	Kubera, the Protector of the North.	Varuṇa the Protector of the water.	Agni, the Fire, also called Mitrâkhya.	Yama, the Angel of Death.
Their prognostics.	Fovourable to the Brahmans; the cattle is thriving, the crops are flourishing, and there is general well-being and safety.	The same as in the first Parvan, but rain is scarce in it, and scholars are ill.	The kings become estranged from each other, safety declines, and the autumnal crops are ruined.	There is abundance and wealth; rich people ruin their property.	Not favourable to king, but favourable to other; the crops are flourishing.	There is much water, line crops, general well-being and safety; pestilence and mortality are declining.	Rain is scarce, the crops perish, and this leads to famine.