This article was published in the Apr-Jun issue of the Jyotish Digest. The Article describes the phenomena of combustion as well as the various oppinions on the same. It further shows its Jyotish use.

 Astangata (combustion): Download

Gaṇa+Iśa or Gaṇa+Pati.
Pati or Iśa means ruler or lord. The word Gaṇa has various meanings:

• Gaṇa: A company, any assemblage or association of men formed for the attainment of the same aims. Here the leader of this assembly is called Gaṇapati and guides the assembly. If this was for a group of Jyotiṣa the leader would be called Jyotir-Gaṇapati. The Mahārāja of Puri was called Gaṇapati due to his function of directing and appointing the work of the people.
• Gaṇa –devata: troops or 9 classes of Deva considered as Śiva’s attendants and under the special superintendence of Gaṇeśa. These are: Āditya (12), Viśva (13), Vasu (8), Tuṣita (36), Ābhāsvara (64), Anila (49), Mahārājika, Sādhya (17) and Rudra(11).
• Gaṇa: A small body of troops (3 Gulmas or 27 chariots and as many elephants, 81 horses, and 135 footmen).

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