Question

Match List I (Zodiac Signs) with List II (Ritu / Seasons) based on the Traditional Vedic Solar Calendar:

List I		List II
A.	Mīna-Mēṣarāśau Sūryē (Sun in Pisces-Aries)	I.	Varṣā R̥tuḥ (Monsoon)
B.	Karka-Siṃharāśau Sūryē (Sun in Cancer-Leo)	II.	Śarad R̥tuḥ (Autumn)
C.	Kanyā-Tulārāśau Sūryē (Sun in Virgo-Libra)	III.	Śiśira R̥tuḥ (Winter)
D.	Makara-Kumbharāśau Sūryē (Sun in Capricorn-Aquarius)	IV.	Vasanta R̥tuḥ (Spring)

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

Hint:

Remember the starting points: Aries = Spring (Vasanta). Cancer = Rain (Varsha). Libra = Autumn (Sharad). Capricorn = Cold (Shishir). 2 months each.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indian year is divided into six seasons (R̥tus), each lasting approximately two months. These seasons are linked to the position of the Sun in the zodiac. The transition from one season to another coincides with the Sun's entry into specific pairs of signs.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The mapping of signs to seasons according to the Sūrya Siddhānta and standard Jyotiṣa texts is:

1. Vasanta R̥tu (Spring): This begins with the Sun's transit through Meena (Pisces) and Mesha (Aries). It represents renewal and blossoming. Note: While some systems start from Mesha, the traditional Siddhantic calculation for Ritus often groups Pisces/Aries as the transition to Spring. (A-IV)

2. Varṣā R̥tu (Monsoon): The Sun in Karka (Cancer) and Simha (Leo) marks the peak rainy season in the Indian subcontinent. (B-I)

3. Śarad R̥tu (Autumn): The Sun in Kanya (Virgo) and Tula (Libra) brings the clear skies and harvest period of Autumn. (C-II)

4. Śiśira R̥tu (Extreme Winter): The Sun in Makara (Capricorn) and Kumbha (Aquarius) marks the coldest part of the year. (D-III)

The complete cycle of 6 Ritus is:
- Vasanta (Spring): Meena/Mesha
- Grīṣma (Summer): Vṛṣabha/Mithuna (Not in list)
- Varṣā (Monsoon): Karka/Siṃha
- Śarad (Autumn): Kanyā/Tulā
- Hēmanta (Pre-winter): Vṛścika/Dhanu (Not in list)
- Śiśira (Winter): Makara/Kumbha

Matching these:
- A \(\rightarrow\) IV
- B \(\rightarrow\) I
- C \(\rightarrow\) II
- D \(\rightarrow\) III
This mapping is crucial for Ayurveda (R̥tucaryā) and for interpreting the seasonal strength of planets in horoscopy.

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