Question

Arrange the following Zodiac Signs (Rāśis) in the correct chronological order based on the Sun's annual transit (Sūryagrahaṇa/Sūrya-Saṃkrānti) cycle, starting from the beginning of the solar year:
A. Kanyā (Virgo)
B. Vr̥ṣabha (Taurus)
C. Mēṣa (Aries)
D. Makara (Capricorn)
E. Karka (Cancer)

• A. A, E, C, D, B
• B. C, D, A, E, B
• C. E, B, A, C, D
• D. C, B, E, A, D

Hint:

Always remember the 12 signs in order: Aries(1), Taurus(2), Gemini(3), Cancer(4), Leo(5), Virgo(6), Libra(7), Scorpio(8), Sagittarius(9), Capricorn(10), Aquarius(11), Pisces(12). Once you know the numbers, any arrangement question becomes a simple math task!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The solar year in Indian Astronomy begins with the Sun's entry into the sign of Aries, an event known as 'Mēṣa Saṃkrānti'. This is the 'Siddhāntic' new year. The Sun spends approximately 30 days in each of the twelve signs. To arrange the given signs in order, we must identify their numerical position in the zodiac (from 1 to 12) and list them from the lowest to the highest.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us map each sign mentioned in the question to its numerical position in the natural zodiacal belt:

1. Mēṣa (Aries): This is the 1st Sign. It represents the head of the Kalapurusha and is the starting point of the solar transit cycle. (Labeled C).
2. Vr̥ṣabha (Taurus): This is the 2nd Sign. The Sun enters this sign approximately one month after Aries. (Labeled B).
3. Karka (Cancer): This is the 4th Sign. This transit marks the 'Dakṣiṇāyana' (Southern course) in the tropical system. (Labeled E).
4. Kanyā (Virgo): This is the 6th Sign. It marks the end of the first half of the zodiacal year. (Labeled A).
5. Makara (Capricorn): This is the 10th Sign. The entry of the Sun into this sign is celebrated as 'Makara Saṃkrānti', marking the 'Uttarāyaṇa' (Northern course). (Labeled D).

When we arrange these chronologically based on the Sun's path:
1 (C) \(\rightarrow\) 2 (B) \(\rightarrow\) 4 (E) \(\rightarrow\) 6 (A) \(\rightarrow\) 10 (D).

The resulting sequence of labels is C, B, E, A, D. This sequence is not just a calendar; it reflects the changing seasons and the varying length of days and nights as the Sun moves through the 'Krānti-vr̥tta' (Ecliptic). For instance, when the Sun is in Mēṣa, it is the Spring season (Vasanta). By the time it reaches Karka, it is Summer (Grīṣma). By Kanyā, it is Autumn (Śarad), and by Makara, it is Winter (Śiśira). Understanding this transit is fundamental to both 'Siddhānta' (mathematical) and 'Phalita' (predictive) Jyōtiṣa, as it determines the Sun's strength and its influence on earthly events.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct order of signs in the Sun's transit is C, B, E, A, D.