Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The planets Mars (Kuja) and the Sun (Arka) are classified under the 'Vaiśya' Varṇa (class).
Reason (R): The planets Sun (Sūrya), Moon (Candra), and Jupiter (Guru) are essentially 'Sāttvika' in nature.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Planetary Varṇa Mnemonic:
Sun/Mars = Warriors (Kshatriya)
Moon/Mercury = Business (Vaishya)
Jupiter/Venus = Scholars (Brahmin)
Saturn = Worker (Shudra)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Jyotish, planets are classified based on 'Varṇa' (social temperament) and 'Guṇa' (psychological qualities). Varṇa determines the field of activity a planet favors, while Guṇa determines its internal disposition (Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of Assertion (A):
The classical texts like Br̥hat Parāśara Hōrā Śāstra (BPHS) define the Varṇa of planets as follows:
1. Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Śukra): Brahmins (Knowledge and Wisdom).
2. Sun (Sūrya) and Mars (Maṅgala/Kuja): Kshatriyas (Power, Protection, and Leadership).
3. Moon (Candra) and Mercury (Budha): Vaishyas (Commerce, Communication, and Sustenance).
4. Saturn (Śani): Shudra (Labor and Service).

The assertion states that Mars (Kuja) and Sun (Arka) are 'Vaishyas'. As per the standard rule, both are Kshatriyas because they represent fire, authority, and the military/administrative force. Therefore, Assertion (A) is factually incorrect.

Analysis of Reason (R):
The psychological 'Guṇas' are divided as:
1. Sattva (Purity/Light): Sun, Moon, and Jupiter. These planets promote wisdom, stability, and nourishment.
2. Rajas (Activity/Passion): Mercury and Venus. These planets promote social interaction, desire, and intellectual activity.
3. Tamas (Darkness/Inertia): Mars and Saturn. These planets represent struggle, aggression, and physical labor.

The statement (R) claims that Sūrya, Candra, and Guru are Sāttvika. This is completely correct according to Parāśara's classification. The Sun represents the pure soul, the Moon represents the nurturing mind, and Jupiter represents divine wisdom. Thus, Reason (R) is a true statement.

Conclusion:
Since Assertion (A) incorrectly identifies the Varṇa of the Sun and Mars, it is false. Reason (R) correctly identifies the Guṇa of the three specified planets, so it is true. In the NTA format, when the first statement is false and the second is true, the correct choice is Option 4.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Statement (A) is false because Sun and Mars are Kshatriyas, but Statement (R) is true.