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CHAPTEE  XXXVII.

ON THE PAETS OF THE MONTH AND THE YEAE.

uttardyana   As the year is one revolution of the sun in the ecliptic,
shindyana.   it is divided in the same way as the ecliptic.    The latter
is divided into two  halves, depending upon the two
solstitial points.    Correspondingly the year is divided
into two halves, each of which is called ayana.
Page i8o.          When the sun leaves the point of the winter solstice, he

begins to move towards the north pole. Therefore this
part of the year, which is nearly one half, is referred to
the north and called uttardyana, i.e. the period of the
sun's marching through six zodiacal signs beginning
with Caper. In consequence, this half of the ecliptic
is called makarddi, i.e. having Caper as beginning.

When the sun leaves the point of the summer solstice
he begins to move towards the south pole ; therefore
this second half is referred to the south and called
dakshindyana, i.e. the period of the sun's marching
through six zodiacal signs beginning with Cancer. In
consequence, this half of the ecliptic is called karkddi,
i.e. having Cancer as beginning.

Uneducated people use only these two divisions or
year-halves, because the matter of the two solstices is
clear to them from the observation of their senses.
uttaraicvM       Further, the ecliptic is divided into two halves, ac-
kuia.           cording to its declination from the equator, aud this

division is a more scientific one, less knoAvn to the
people at large than the former, because it rests on
calculation and speculation.    Each half is called kitla.