Above the seven sages, known as the Saptarishis, stands the steadfast Dhruva, shining as an unshakable axis in the heavens. Beyond them, the spaces between stars and planets are meticulously arranged, each in its ordained place and order. These celestial bodies are always connected to the signs of the zodiac, moving in a constant, prescribed sequence. People on earth witness their conjunctions and separations, observing these cosmic dances as they unfold together in the vast sky. For the wise, there is no confusion in these movements; they discern the precise moments of conjunction with clarity. Just as islands, oceans, and mountains are arranged upon earth, so too do the planets arise among the stars above. Each planet has its place of origin among the constellations: the first of the planets is born in Viśākhā; the Moon, with its cool, gentle rays, is born in Kṛttikā. The foremost among the stars and planets rises in the sign of Tishya. In Pūrvā Phālgunī, the teacher of the world takes birth, and in Pūrvā Āṣāḍhā, another birth is spoken of. Mercury, the gentle and radiant planet, appears in Dhaniṣṭhā, shining with a brilliance fivefold. In Ārśleṣā, the great planet—destroyer of all—takes birth. Rahu, composed of the very essence of darkness, is by nature a black sphere. All these stars and planets, including Bhargava and others, must be understood in their proper order. They are subject to certain faults, and their influence is determined by their planetary divisions. Among stars and planets, Venus holds special prominence, while among comets, the smoky one stands out. Of all the constellations, Śraviṣṭhā is foremost, and among the solstices, the northern is preeminent. Winter is the chief among seasons, Māgha among months, and of the divisions of day and night, the day is declared foremost. Among the smallest measures of time, the instant and the blink are to be known as time itself, O best of those who know time. By the special motion of the sun, all revolves like a great wheel, initiating and ending the four kinds of living beings. Thus, the arrangement of the luminaries is established with purpose and certainty. By the northern Śravaṇa, this cosmic order is condensed and fixed at the pole. In times long past, at the very beginning of the kalpa, the wise ones set forth this arrangement. This is the wondrous transformation of the principal universal form. Humans, with their physical eyes, observe the coming and going of the luminaries in the sky. When examined thoughtfully and with intelligence, this arrangement is to be trusted by the wise. O Brahmins, there are five causes that must be discerned in understanding the group of luminaries. At the hour when the sun reached its zenith, the blessed one recited a sacred prayer. All present, their minds disciplined and their hands joined in reverence, stood in respect. The ever-blessed one spoke, offering salutations: “Salutations to you, O Nīlakaṇṭha.” Those gathered were the renowned Vālakhilyas, companions of the birds. They approached Vāyu, who lives on wind and leaves, with their questions. This knowledge, they understood, was a secret among the pure, a blessing for those who cherish virtue. “We wish to hear all of this, O Prabhañjana, by your grace,” they entreated. “We desire to hear it, O Deva, especially from your own mouth.” Then, it was revealed: when Vāyu enters the place of the letters, the function of speech arises.