Question

Match List I (Directional Lords) with List II (Planets) as per the Traditional Directional Lordships in Jyotiṣa:

List I		List II
A.	Pūrvadik swāmī (East)	I.	Budhaḥ (Mercury)
B.	Dakṣiṇadik swāmī (South)	II.	Maṅgalaḥ (Mars)
C.	Paścimadik swāmī (West)	III.	Sūryaḥ (Sun)
D.	Uttaradik swāmī (North)	IV.	Śaniḥ (Saturn)

 

• A. A-IV, B-I, C-II, D-III
• B. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
• C. A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
• D. A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

Hint:

Visualise the Sun in the East (A-III), the heat of Mars in the South (B-II), the darkness of Saturn in the West (C-IV), and the intelligence of Mercury in the North (D-I).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Every cardinal direction is associated with a specific planet that acts as its guardian or lord. This assignment is used in Vāstu Śāstra, during travels (Prasthāna), and to determine the 'Digbala' (Directional Strength) of a planet in a horoscope. For example, a planet is strongest when it is placed in the house corresponding to its direction.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The standard directional planetary lordships are as follows:

1. East (Pūrva): The Sun (Sūrya) is the lord of the East. The Sun rises in the East, bringing light and life. In a horoscope, the 1st house (Ascendant) represents the East. Jupiter and Mercury also gain directional strength here, but the Sun is the primary sovereign of this direction. (A-III)

2. South (Dakṣiṇa): Mars (Maṅgala) is the lord of the South. The South represents fire and vigor. In a horoscope, the 10th house (Mid-heaven) corresponds to the South. The Sun also gains strength here, but Mars is the specific directional ruler. (B-II)

3. West (Paścima): Saturn (Śani) is the lord of the West. The West represents darkness, sunset, and the end of the day, which matches Saturn's cold and dark nature. In a horoscope, the 7th house corresponds to the West. Saturn is at its strongest (full Digbala) in the 7th house. (C-IV)

4. North (Uttara): Mercury (Budha) is the lord of the North. The North is associated with wealth and commerce (Kuber). In a horoscope, the 4th house (Nadir) corresponds to the North. Mercury and Jupiter are considered to have directional strength in the Northern/Nadir direction. (D-I)

Matching these according to the lists:
- East (A) \(\rightarrow\) Sun (III)
- South (B) \(\rightarrow\) Mars (II)
- West (C) \(\rightarrow\) Saturn (IV)
- North (D) \(\rightarrow\) Mercury (I)

This mapping is essential for the 'Aṣṭadikpāla' ritual and for Vāstu designs, where the placement of elements (like fire in the Southeast/Agni or water in the Northeast/Ishan) depends on these planetary influences.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct match is A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I.