We have heard from our friends in Hyderabad regarding the contents of the first 2 folios. Dr. Jayabarathi has also reviewed it and referenced his previous writings on types of Jyotish. If we are on track, the ms is a book on aaruud.I have included combined info from Dr. Jayabarathi and Hyderabad below.
Regards,
Jennifer
Combined info from Hyderabad and Dr. Jayabarathi:
Dear Ms.Jennifer,
I have rearranged the contents (from Hyderabad translation) of a few letters and paraphrased them. It would thus give you a very clear picture
of the folios. If they have read it correctly and the translation is
accurate, then it has to be a book on Aaruud.
Please take Para 3. of the translation and relate it to the
sections ii, iv, v, vi, and vii. Now you will get the picture.
The type is sea shell is known as cowrie shells or cholzhi
or chovi. The Amerindians use it as a neck ornament.
Please scroll along downwards.
Regards
Jayabarathi
1.>May prosperity be (for all). Salutation to shrii-gaNesha-shaaradaa
>and guru-s. May be the freedom-from-obstructions to cmpose the book
>`navaratna-chiMtaamaNi'.
2.>The method to see(forsee?) (the result) of any work.
>[For the convenience, here one long sentence is devided in many.]
3. >If,one keeps this book in front of his desired deity on
>Sunday, Thursday or any auspicious day.(fol1 back) Then prays for the
>fullfilment of his heart's desire. Then, (dhaalisi?)
>puts(?) nine (bhartu?)Cowries nine times. Then, devides the number
>he has get by nine. Then, sees the reminder number and opens the
>page which has the same number and reads the same line,then -
his work would be fruitful. There is no doubt in this regard.
>shriiH = pros
>
>fol 2 front
>
>Translation
>-----------
>This desired work may become or not
>1 This desired work might be done by one, definately
>2 (I am not sure)
>3 This person has not taken this thing, somebody other has taken it
>4 ............
>
>[ Like this the list of results goes on.]
>What is Aaruud?
i. Aaruud is otherwise known as Aarudam in Tamil.
It is the prediction of events through certain signs or
reference to certain texts or cards. Aaruud is also applied
to find out whether to venture into something or not.
ii. The Hindus have many systems of Aaruda Saastra.
They go by various names like Agasthiyar Aaruudam, Vaaraahi
Aaruudam, AnjanEyar Aaruudam, GanEsar Aaruudam, Atta
Dhikku Aaruudam, Pushpa Aaruudam etc.
iii. These are texts written in folios. You open a folio at random
and open it. Certain other Aaruuds have certain indices. According
what star or asterism governing the time did you open the folio.
Still others employ a "Chakra". This contains 64 or 108 squares with
numbers in them. You close your eyes and touch a square and read
the "phala" or results according to the number in it.
iv. In it are cryptic messages.
v. There are other systems where you use dice. Three throws
of a particular type of dice that is in a pair and contains only
blank, 1, 2, and 3.
vi. There is another variety where ceratin types sea shells are used as dice.
vii. The above types are known as "Paaiychgai Aaruudam"
viii. In all these systems, the message or "phala" is written in a cryptic manner. You have to interprete it according to the circustance.
Regards
Jayabarathi
------------------------------------------------------------------------
eGroup home: http://www.eGroups.com/list/agathiyar
Free Web-based e-mail groups by eGroups.com
