358
 

ALBERUNPS INDIA.
 

PageiSi.          I am inclined to think that the Hindus divide the

ecliptic by such an opening of the circle which divides
the circumference of a circle into six parts, a measure
which is equal to the radius, beginning wdth the two
solstitial points, and that therefore they use sixth parts
of the ecliptic. If this is really the case, we must not
forget that we, too, sometimes divide the ecliptic, be¬
ginning with the two solstitial points, at other times
beginning with the equinoctial points, and that we use
the division of the ecliptic in twelfth parts side by
side with that in fourth parts.
The domin- The moutlis are divided into halves from new moon
singiehaives to full moou, aud from full moon to new moon. The
Vishnu-Dharma mentions the dominants of the halves
of the months, as we give them in the following table : —
 

The Names of the
months.
 

The dominants of the

Bright lialf of each

month.
 

The dominants of the

Black half of each

month.
 

Caitra
 

Twashtri
 

Yamya.
 

Vaisakha
 

Indragni
 

Agneya.
 

Jyaishtha    .
 

Sukra
 

Raudra.
 

Ashadha
 

Visvedevah
 

Sarpa.
 

SrSiVana
 

Vishnu
 

Pitrya.
 

Bhadrapada
 

Aja  ■  .
 

Santa.
 

Asvayuja
 

Asana (?)
 

Maitra.
 

Karttika
 

Agni   ,
 

Sakra.
 

Margasirsha
 

Saumya
 

Nirriti.
 

Pausha.
 

Jiva
 

Vishnu.
 

Magha
 

Pitrya
 

Varuna.
 

Phalguna
 

Bhaga
 

Pilshan.