Note 15 — Chapter II · HEROIC GODLINGS

There are certain peculiar conjunctions of planets, which if they appear in a person’s horoscope, always bring him misfortunes. In such circumstances, the person is said to be under the influence of panoti.15 Such influence lasts for a period varying from one year to seven years and a half.16 When the planet Shani (Saturn) enters the 1st, 11th, or the 12th rāshi in relation to a person, the latter is said to be affected by sādāsāti-panoti, i.e., panoti extending over seven years and a half.17 The panoti enters the life of such a person with feet either of gold, silver, copper or iron: and in most cases the result is disastrous. If the panoti affects the head of a person, he loses his wits; if it affects the heart, it takes away his wealth; when it affects the feet, it brings bodily ailments. In order to counteract the evil effects of panoti, people worship Hanumān as the god who crushed the malignant goddess Panoti under his feet. On Saturdays red lead and oil, adad, molasses are offered to the image of the god.16 Frankincense is burnt, a lamp is lighted, and a wreath of ānkadā flowers is sometimes dedicated.18 A fast is observed on such days; and sometimes the services of a Brahman are engaged to recite verses in honour of the god.17