Question

Briefly explain the scheme of Katapayadi with examples

Hint:

Each letter is a digit. Take the first two letters and reverse the digits.

Answer 1

Step 1: Idea of the scheme:
The Katapayadi sutra is a code in which each Sanskrit consonant stands for a digit. The names of the 72 melakartas are made so that the first two letters give the mela number.

Step 2: The letter table:
Ka to Nga = 1 to 5. Cha to Nya = 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. Ta (hard) to Na (hard) = 1 to 5. Ta (soft) to Na (soft) = 6, 7, 8, 9, 0. Pa to Ma = 1 to 5. Ya = 1, Ra = 2, La = 3, Va = 4, Sha = 5, Sha (second) = 6, Sa = 7, Ha = 8. Vowels have no value.

Step 3: How to read a name:
Take the first two consonants. Write their digits and then read them in reverse order.

Step 4: Examples:
Kanakangi: Ka = 1 and Na = 0, so 10 reversed is 01, mela 1.
Mayamalavagowla: Ma = 5 and Ya = 1, so 51 reversed is 15.
Kharaharapriya: Kha = 2 and Ra = 2, so 22.
Harikambhoji: Ha = 8 and Ri = 2, so 82 reversed is 28.
Mechakalyani: Me = 5 and Cha = 6, so 65.

Final Answer:
Katapayadi gives the mela number from the first two letters, read in reverse. \[ \boxed{\text{Mayamalavagowla} = 15,\ \text{Harikambhoji} = 28} \]