Brihat Samhita
by N. Chidambaram Iyer | 1884 | 135,584 words | ISBN-13: 9788171104215
This page describes the features of the turtle/tortoise (kurma-lakshana) which is the sixty-fourth Chapter of the English translation of the Brihat-samhita. This work, written by Varahamihira in the 6th century, is classified as jyotisha literature, also known as Indian astronomy. It contains however, also content regarding astrology, palmistry, agriculture, gardening, perfumes, medicines and various other encyclopedic topics.
Chapter 64 - On the features of the Turtle/Tortoise (kūrma-lakṣaṇa)
[Sanskrit text for this chapter is available]
1. The turtle (kūrma) which is of the colour of the crystal or silver, adorned with black lines, whose body is of the shape of the pot, and whose back-bone is beautiful, and the turtle whose body is of the colour of the Sun and covered with numerous small spots, will make a person as prosperous as a prince if they dwell in his house.
2. The turtle which is black as the bee or collyrium with beautiful spots over his body, which has no defective organs, whose head is like that of the serpent and whose neck is large, will increase the territories of the king.
3. The turtle (kūrma) of the colour of Vaidūrya, whose neck is large, whose body is smooth and of triangular shape, and whose backbone is beautiful, is of excellent kind. It shall be put in pleasure tanks and water pots by kings for the increase of their prosperity.