temporal-factorstubschool: jyotisha· Bṛhat Saṁhitā

Muhurta (auspicious time-unit)

muhūrta
tmp-muhurta

Definition

A time-unit of 48 minutes (two ghatis); also the general practice of electing an auspicious moment. Used throughout BS for timing rites (e.g. grihapravesha, well-sinking, planting).
Classical

Prāṇa relevance

Prāṇa relation not yet traced — a complete, acceptable terminal state.

Connections (3)

timed-by · 3
  • BS 53.125 prescribes the rite; the muhurta/vara system (II) supplies the timing. Connects the Vastu block (Step 2) to the Jyotisha time-apparatus (Step 5).
  • BS 55.27 (planting asterisms) and 54-closing (well asterisms) elect by nakshatra; the muhurta/nakshatra apparatus (II, XV) supplies it.
  • Svoboda: the construction rites 'should be performed when facing N, NE, or E' and the gratitude/intention is best expressed 'at astrologically opportune moments (see Appendix Three)'; one's astrological advisor selects an auspicious moment even for signing the purchase (pp.290-291). The rite is scheduled by an auspicious muhurta/electional moment.

Sources

  • txt-brihat-samhitaIIClassical✓ verifiedmuhurta as a 48-minute unit; election of auspicious times

Other attributes

Cycle
1 muhurta = 2 ghati = 48 min; 30 muhurtas = 1 day-night