Shloka 37
Nakṣatra-Devatā Enumeration and Muhūrta Rules for Travel, Rites, and Yogas
शनिवारे वर्जयेच्च उत्तराफल्गुनीत्रयम् / एषु योगेषु चोत्पातमृत्युरोगादिकं भवेत्
śanivāre varjayecca uttarāphalgunītrayam / eṣu yogeṣu cotpātamṛtyurogādikaṃ bhavet
On Saturdays one should avoid the triad of Uttarā Phalgunī (that is, the three Uttarā nakṣatras). When such yogas occur, ominous portents may arise—death, disease, and other afflictions.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Inauspicious yogas precipitate adverse outcomes (mṛtyu, roga) for undertakings; prudent avoidance mitigates karmic friction.
Vedantic Theme: Karma operates through conditions (nimitta) like kāla; wise action is aligning effort with conducive circumstances.
Application: On Saturdays avoid the Uttarā-phalgunī triad (interpreted as the ‘Uttarā’ set/triad); postpone risky starts when such yogas occur.
Primary Rasa: bhayanaka
Secondary Rasa: raudra
Type: temporal/astrological (Saturday + Uttarā nakṣatra triad)
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.59.35 (dagdha times); Garuda Purana 1.59.39 (amṛta-yoga auspicious counterpoint)
FAQs
This verse treats time-selection (muhūrta) as part of dharma: avoiding specific Saturday–nakṣatra combinations is advised to reduce the likelihood of misfortune such as illness or other harms.
It does not directly describe the soul’s post-death journey; instead, it provides preventive observance—choosing safer timings—so that one’s life and duties proceed without avoidable obstacles like disease or untimely death.
If you follow traditional muhūrta/Jyotiṣa, avoid scheduling major rites or high-stakes beginnings on Saturday when this specific nakṣatra-yoga is said to occur, and prioritize health, caution, and remedial discipline.