Offering his obeisance to the all-knowing sage Parāśara and with folded hands, Maitreya said, 'O Venerable, Astrology, the supreme limb of the Vedas, has three divisions, viz. Horā, Gaṇita and Saṁhitā. Among the said three divisions, Horā or the genethliac part of astrology is still more excellent. I desire to know of its glorious aspects from you. Be pleased to tell me, how is this Universe created? How does it end? What is the relationship of the animals born on this earth with the heavenly bodies? Please speak elaborately.'

किसी समय मैत्रेय मुनि ने, तीनों कालों की गति को जानने वाले मुनिप्रवर पराशर जी के पास जाकर, प्रणाम करके, हाथ जोड़कर पूछा ।