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.'

मैत्रेय बोले — हे भगवन्! सभी वेदांगों में श्रेष्ठ ज्योतिष शास्त्र परम पवित्र, पुण्यप्रद व गुप्त है । इसके गणित, होरा व संहिता ये तीन स्कन्ध कहे जाते हैं । इन तीनों में भी होरा स्कन्ध अधिक आदरणीय है, इसी कारण आपके मुख से मैं होरा स्कन्ध के विषय में सुनना चाहता हूँ । कृपया आप मुझे बताएं ।