पृष्ठम्:करणपद्धतिः.pdf/५

PREFACE. This work Karapapaddhati that elucidates an unpre- cedented school of astrological calculations highly commended by all great astrologers is indeed worthy of its name. It is well known throughout the length and breadth of the world that there lived in Kerala ever so many reputed scholars in' astrological science who by direct perception and assisted by certain astronomical truths could see and show the planet system that adorns the celestial world. That the great and renowned authors of astrological treatises like the Bhasyakara on the Aryabhatiya, great in themselves, hold up their own banners of pride and prestige in Kerala, is not a matter of surprise. It is enough to say that Parames- varacarya and such others instructed their disciples in as- trology like ones (with ease and clearness) and thus spread it far and wide, It is just and proper to presume that the author of the Karanapaddhati was one among those most réputed scholars. "गुणहारगुणादीनां करणे कापि पद्धतिः” By this, the object of the work is expressed in a compen- dium. This Paddhati by the authoritative statements in the form of Karikas that form the quintessence of the work, is as undisputed and extensive as the high road and shines in brilliance expanding in consonance with the intellect of the reader. Though the Paddhati is confined to 10 chapters, I belive that it will open a bright prospect in all the di- rections, only if helped by an elaborate and explanatory Vrtti. A commentary on the work in Malayalam was ob- tained but it was so worn out and unreadable that we had to give up the idea of getting it printed. We are sparing no pains in unearthing a complete manuscript of the same. The author of the Paddhati is some Yajva, who took up his abode in the village of Sivapura (Trichur in Cochin). " इति शिवपुरनामग्रामजः कोऽपि यज्वा किमपि करणपद्धत्याह्वयं तन्त्ररूपम् । व्यथित गणितमेतत् सम्यगालोक्य सन्तः कथितमिह विदन्तः सन्तु सन्तोपवन्तः ॥" We know this much from the stanza at the close of the work. Even though he was born in the village called Sivapura, it is clear from the penultimate stanza of the work that he was by faith and principle a Vaispava.